The Interamerican Council for Integral Development (CIDI) session, themed "Air Connectivity to Unlock Economic Growth," focuses on how enhancing air transport can boost regional integration, overcome trade barriers, and drive economic growth across the Americas. With member states spanning vast distances, particularly island nations, air connectivity is crucial for fostering trade, tourism, and foreign direct investment.

Currently, the region's air transport system supports 2.6 million flights and provides nearly 5 million jobs, contributing $153 billion to GDP. However, low investment in air infrastructure has limited growth potential. Increasing investment could generate an additional 50 million passengers, $42 billion in GDP, and nearly 1 million jobs.

Key challenges include disparities in intraregional travel, with regions like the Caribbean facing high costs and regulatory barriers. Central America, by contrast, has seen strong growth in intraregional travel, highlighting the potential for further development across the region.

Improving air connectivity is seen as essential for unlocking economic growth and ensuring long-term socio-economic development in the region.

Opening Remarks:

Luis Almagro, Secretary General, Organization of American States

Honorable Alva Baptiste, Minister for External Affairs, International Trade Civil Aviation, and Diaspora Affairs, Saint Lucia

Panelists:

• Peter Cerda, Regional Vice President - The Americas, International Air Transport Association (IATA)

• Rodolfo Sabonge, Secretary General, Association of Caribbean States (ACS)

• Maria Luisa Navarro, Senior Director for Government Relations, Copa Airlines

Date: Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Location: Simon Bolivar Room, OAS Main Building

Online: https://www.oas.org/en/media_center/webcast_schedule.asp