ALTA’s New CEO Peter Cerdá Targets Connectivity, Innovation

Peter Cerdá officially took on the role of CEO at the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) on Mar. 17. In his statement, Cerdá emphasized the pivotal role of aviation in connecting destinations, creating opportunities, and advancing environmental stewardship. He also pledged to collaborate with governments and industry stakeholders to drive innovation and improve aviation infrastructure.

Cerdá will continue to serve as Vice President for the Americas at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a position he has held since 2013, alongside his new role at ALTA.

"The aviation sector is crucial for the social and economic prosperity of our region. In 2023, air transport supported 8.3 million jobs and contributed US$240 billion to Latin America and the Caribbean's GDP," said Cerdá, who succeeds José Ricardo Botelho. He also stressed ALTA’s role in improving air travel accessibility, connecting communities, and fostering tourism, trade, and job creation throughout the region.

With members representing over 80% of the region’s air traffic, ALTA plays a central role in shaping the future of aviation policy and development across Latin America.

“The future of ALTA lies in collaboration and innovation. Through open and transparent dialogue with governments and industry, we can achieve sustainable progress that respects the environment and aligns with the region’s needs,” said Cerdá.

According to a recent ALTA report, Latin American aviation experienced significant growth in January 2025, with passenger traffic rising by 2.4% to reach 42.3 million. This growth was fueled by reopened routes, open skies agreements, and increasing tourism demand.

Cerdá highlighted Brazil’s domestic market as a major contributor, accounting for 44% of the growth. "The Brazilian domestic market was instrumental, adding 438,000 passengers," he stated. Additionally, intra-regional travel increased, with 5.3 million passengers flying between countries within the region. The Lima-Santiago route became the busiest in Latin America, serving nearly 156,000 passengers.

Mexico also posted strong results, with passenger traffic rising 4.9% in January 2025, reaching 10.7 million travelers. International traffic grew by 6%, totaling 5.6 million passengers. Key routes like Mexico City-Dallas saw a 28% increase, while connections to Germany rose by 17%. New routes to Tulum and San Jose del Cabo added 4,844 passengers to the market.

Santa Lucia Airport emerged as a standout contributor in Mexico, reporting a 78% surge in passenger numbers compared to the same period in 2024.