Business View Caribbean | July 2019

25 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN JULY 2019 and it’s essential for the future growth of our sector and also these economies, so they can better understand the importance of the air traffic sector and how it contributes to their wellbeing. We’re an industry that fluctuates; many airlines have come and gone, and, obviously, that affects our membership. The ultra- low costs and hybrid airlines are now an important piece of the air transport system that would traditionally not be part of IATA. But now, they are becoming members because of the value we provide to them. Among our membership activities, we can advocate on their behalf for better regulatory policies, better infrastructure, reduction in costs, and standards setting. “IATA has created a lot of initiatives that are contributing to the wellbeing of this industry. For example, about eight years ago, we eliminated paper tickets, which makes the process more secure for passengers, more convenient, with less cost for airlines. We did that in collaboration with our members to provide a better passenger experience. Through IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit), our member safety commission, we have also greatly enhanced the level of auditing and safety oversight by implementing safety programs. As a result, for IATA members and non- member airlines who are registered with IOSA, the ratio of accidents compared to those who are not registered, is dramatically less. All these initiatives show that we are a strong association, we support our members, and progressively help the industry give better service to passengers. We continue to advocate important messages with key stakeholders, and work collaboratively with governments. That’s where we have an advantage; we’re able to speak on behalf of the industry, rather than individual airlines that may not belong to an association having to speak on their own, which can be very daunting and complex.” BVC: What objectives are you striving to achieve going forward? Cerda: “In today’s world, where social responsibility is critical, this industry has publicly come out with a goal for our members and the INTERNAT IONAL A I R TRANSPORT ASSOC I AT ION ( I ATA) AMER I CAS