Caribbean countries have many tasks ahead to strengthen their connectivity aerial and make the region more competitiveaccording to the secretary of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), Rodolfo Sabonge, who described the connections current “extremely deficient”. He pointed out how this affects their development and economic growth.
Sabonge referred to the low demand of flights between countries in the region, the high costs of airline tickets and the operational deficiencies and infrastructure of the airports.
“For those of us who have had to travel In the region, it is common not to find connections or, if they are found, not finding the necessary frequencies, with exorbitant prices,” he said.
Added to these challenges is the change climatewhich obliges the airports to adapt their infrastructures to make them more resilient to natural disasters, on the one hand, and commits them to adopt more sustainable measures, which is complex because greenhouse gas emissions are growing every year.
After participating in the First Meeting of National Authorities of the Greater Caribbean and Representatives of the AirlinesSabonge explained that to find solutions In response to these problems, Caribbean countries must commit to adopting a “systemic and integrated” approach, which must go beyond bilateral or subregional agreements.
“All countries of the Caribbean must actively participate in these efforts, to ensure a system sustainable “transport that benefits all interested sectors,” said the executive.
The proposals
The event, which was attended by authorities from the aviation civil society of the countries of the island region, included a panel in which experts made recommendations for the airlines Caribbeans improve their connectivity aerial.
Among the proposals, the closing of public-private agreements to improve the air Transport of the region, the standardization of the electronic systems of airlines, as well as the search for more resources for the sector of the aviationespecially with regard to trained personnel.
Raquel Peña advocates for collaborative work
The meeting, held for the first time in the Republic Dominicanattended by the vice president of the RepublicRaquel Peña, who valued the initiative shown by the Caribbean countries in working together.
He stressed the importance of Caribbean countries holding a dialogue on How to lead intraregional aviation into a “new era”taking advantage of historical, geographical and cultural links to better interconnect their peoples.
“The Republic Dominican has committed to contributing to the development of regional interconnectivity, especially, aviation civil (…); we are convinced of the essential role played by international cooperation,” said the vice president.
