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We analyze the impact of LATAM Airlines in the economy of Ecuador on 2024: a contribution from $1.8 billion to GDP and the support of 190,000 local jobs.
In the aeronautical sector, We usually measure success by load factor, punctuality or fleet expansion. Nevertheless, The real value of an airline extends far beyond the tarmac. The recent Oxford Economics report, from 2024 and published in 2025, about the impact of LATAM Airlines on Ecuador reveals figures that every aviation professional and decision maker should know.
The figures are important and show that aviation has the ability to change the reality of the places where it operates., this as a call to action to the authorities to really boost the industry and not put more obstacles.
Impact of LATAM in Ecuador
Aviation is not just transportation; It is a macroeconomic catalyst. On 2024, the total contribution of LATAM Airlines to the GDP of Ecuador reached the $1.8 billion dollars. This figure represents the 1.4% of the country's total GDP, underlining the systemic relevance of the airline in the national economy.
Employment and livelihood
The impact on the labor market is massive. The operation of LATAM supports a total of 190,000 local jobs between direct and indirect in Ecuador. To put it in professional perspective:
- 1 decade 42 jobs in the country are directly or indirectly linked to the airline's activity.
- were generated $660 millions of dollars in labor income for Ecuadorian workers.
- For each 10 direct employees of the airline, they end up supporting 3,500 additional jobs throughout the value chain and tourism.
Strategic connectivity and foreign trade
The network of LATAM connect to Ecuador via 7 key airports: Quito (UIO), Guayaquil (GYE), Cuenca (CUE) and blanket (GUY), together with Baltra airports (GPS) and Saint Christopher (SCY) in the Galapagos Islands, and the El Coca terminal (OCC) in the Amazon region), operating 8 domestic routes and 5 international. But the data that stands out for logistics analysts is the movement of cargo:
- Passenger Transportation: transported annually to 2.2 millions of people.
- 135,000 tons transported in 2024.
- Of these, 110,000 tons correspond to exports, flowers being the flagship product that keeps Ecuador connected to global markets.
The power of tourism
The report breaks down the impact by channels, revealing that domestic tourism is the greatest generator of value, contributing $1.3 billion to GDP.
At the regional level, two destinations stand out for their dependence and benefit from air connectivity:
- Guayas: With an impact of $560 million in GDP and 1.5 million passengers served.+1
- Galapagos Islands: Where aviation is vital, contributing $120 million to GDP and supporting 17,000 local jobs.
For those of us who are part of the aeronautical community, These data reaffirm that the work goes beyond operating aircraft safely. The industry is responsible for an infrastructure that supports entire industries, from hotels and catering (that receives an impact from $490 millions) to manufacturing and financial services.
aviation in Ecuador not only shortens distances; build nation.
What do you think about the role of airlines as engines of development in emerging markets?? Leave me your comments below.
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Hello there, I read all your reports and comments with great interest.. In the latter about LATAM, something is wrong, It cannot be that LATAM has 190.000 employees in Ecuador. I recommend you check carefully
Take into account that this data is between direct and indirect jobs., I will modify it to make it clearer, Thank you