{"id":3622,"date":"2019-08-29T13:07:50","date_gmt":"2019-08-29T11:07:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.revistaitransporte.com\/?p=3622"},"modified":"2019-09-02T08:18:37","modified_gmt":"2019-09-02T06:18:37","slug":"juan-carlos-salazar-general-director-of-aerocivil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.revistaitransporte.com\/juan-carlos-salazar-general-director-of-aerocivil\/","title":{"rendered":"Juan Carlos Salazar \/ General director of Aerocivil"},"content":{"rendered":"
In recent years, passenger air traffic in Colombia has grown continuously. What are the current figures and forecasts for the coming years?<\/b><\/p>\n
Air transport worldwide has experienced rapid and dynamic growth in recent decades, and the trend is expected to continue in the coming years. These changes are consistent with the strengthening and sustained development of global economic conditions and the generation and implementation of public policies aimed essentially at deregulation and liberalisation of air passenger and cargo transport markets.<\/p>\n
With this in mind, from our perspective of Civil Aeronautics, and as described in the 2030 Strategic Aeronautical Plan, it is estimated that by 2030, there will be almost 100 million passengers per year and double the cargo transport, in a clear, competitive, connected, safe and sustainable institutional environment supported by renewed infrastructure, robust industry and highly talented people.<\/p>\n
This growth is in line with what has been happening in recent years. For example, according to 2019 figures, we have grown by 9.1%.<\/p>\n
Over the next four years, there are plans for the investment of 3.8 billion pesos, which will enable us to make great progress in the modernisation of the sector<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
What impact is the peace process having on this growth?<\/b><\/p>\n
The peace process is one of the main reasons why increasing numbers of foreigners are coming to Colombia, a figure that reached 13.8 million passengers in 2018.\u00a0 But, in addition, it is the clear result of major government efforts to make progress in the modernisation of the airport and aeronautical infrastructure throughout the country and strengthen regional connectivity with an offering that continues to expand. Indeed, in the last few months, two new aviation companies have started operations in Colombia\u2019s regions, and two other companies are in the process of obtaining their operating licences.<\/p>\n
And what about airport infrastructure concessions?<\/b><\/p>\n
The concession arrangement has allowed the country to modernise and adapt its airport infrastructure to the 21st century. The airports that the country has today are a response to Colombia\u2019s present and future aviation needs.<\/p>\n
As far as Civil Aeronautics is concerned, we have been investing millions in construction, maintenance and studies and designs for several different airports in the country.<\/p>\n
As part of the National Development Plan, an investment of 3.8 billion pesos has been planned for the next four years and this will enable us to make significant progress in the modernisation of the aviation sector and contribute to economic and social development and greater competitiveness.<\/p>\n
Currently, trunk airports are being improved with investments in Leticia, Popay\u00e1n, Armenia, San Andr\u00e9s and Providencia, Rionegro Cartagena, Yopal, Buenaventura, Pasto, Ipiales, and Riohacha, and Ciudad Regi\u00f3n Airport (El Dorado) and 10 regional airports (Amalfi, Urrao, Condoto, Barrancabermeja, Paz de Ariporo, Cravo Norte, Puerto Carre\u00f1o, Villa Garz\u00f3n, Nuqu\u00ed and Pitalito). We hope to continue with this trend, providing the country with infrastructure that is constantly improving.<\/p>\n
The<\/b> <\/b>Government has announced major investments in the development of regional tourism. Will this create new routes?<\/b><\/p>\n
These investments are already generating new routes. In 2019 alone, the operation of 58 new routes and frequencies was authorised.<\/b> In addition, the liberalisation of commercial air traffic regulations has enabled new operators to enter and offer their services. Twenty-two new routes have been approved for non-scheduled operators, which shows the dynamism that tourism has given to aviation.<\/p>\n