As evidenced by the continuing positive traffic reports, the Latin America region is experiencing tremendous growth and recovery this year. The number of passengers carried during the first half of 2010 by member airlines of the Latin American and Caribbean Transportation Association increased 15.6 percent versus the previous year, reaching 65.9 million passengers. Traffic (RPKs)rose 14.4 percent, capacity (ASK) increased 8.0 percent, and passenger load factor reached 71.3 percent, 4.0 percentage points higher than the previous year. Freight ton kilometers increased 44.3 percent.
By any standards these numbers are very strong, with Brazil showing the way. Significant restructuring is still taking place in the Caribbean and Mexico.
Despite facing many challenges, the outlook is good and there is great opportunity for Latin America's air transport industry if it continues to focus its efforts toward a safer and more efficient industry.
