It is one month since ACI Airport Day 2024 was held in the city of Cuenca and in this publication we review the most notable and important topics that occurred during this event.
The city of Cuenca hosted the ACI Airport Day for the first time, an event of great relevance for the airport industry in Latin America and the Caribbean. Organized by ACI-LAC and CORPAC, the event brought together a large group of international experts, authorities and professionals from the sector to discuss the development potential of regional airports and share best practices in airport concession processes.
ACI Airport Day in Cuenca
During ACI Airport Day Cuenca, leading international experts shared their knowledge and experiences through various presentations and panels. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about success stories at regional airports, which provided them with valuable lessons and strategies applicable to their operations.
Some of the topics addressed during the event were:
- Policies for the development of tourism and aviation in the region.
- Challenges and opportunities in the development and growth of regional airports.
- Airport concessions panel.
- How airports prepare an air route development plan.
- The liberalization and deregulation of air transport as a driver of the development of the sector in Latin America.
During these panels, several topics related to Ecuadorian aviation were also discussed, where the following points stand out:
- Ecuador is now more competitive in the region thanks to the reduction of EcoDelta, 5% of fuel thanks to the Tourism Law, elimination of ISD for national and international airlines and the recent update of the operating regulations so that national airlines can operate a fleet with 100% foreign registration.
- It is expected that a national and international public process will soon be opened for the delegation of the Manta International Airport by the MTOP.
- There is an urgent need to expand the PPP model to more airports in Ecuador, where only 3 of 19 are concessioned to private companies, with the central state maintaining the greatest burden.
A milestone for Cuenca and the Ecuadorian airport industry
The event concluded with a networking lunch at the historic San Luis Seminary, which allowed attendees to exchange ideas and establish valuable contacts.
“We are delighted to have held the first ACI Airport Day in Cuenca, an event that will undoubtedly strengthen the capabilities of our airports and encourage greater exchange of knowledge and experiences among industry professionals,” said Dr. Rafael Echevarne, Director General of ACI-LAC.
ACI Airport Day Cuenca has proven to be an essential platform to promote development and collaboration in the regional airport industry, highlighting the importance of international cooperation and global best practices. The event marked a significant milestone for the city of Cuenca and the regional airport industry, underscoring the commitment of ACI-LAC and Mariscal La Mar Airport to continuous improvement and innovation in the sector.
Among those attending the ACI Airport Day Cuenca were:
- Government and local authorities.
- Professionals from the airport industry in Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Representatives of airlines and aviation companies.
- Consultants and experts in airport development.
Featured panelists at the event included:
- International experts in the management and development of regional airports.
- Representatives of international organizations such as ACI-LAC and ICAO.
- Directors of regional airports.
The success of ACI Airport Day Cuenca demonstrates the region’s commitment to the development and modernization of its airport infrastructure. The event has laid the foundation for greater collaboration between key industry players, which will undoubtedly contribute to boosting economic growth and connectivity in Latin America and the Caribbean, all generated from an Ecuadorian city such as Cuenca. .
