Peter Cerda to Lead ALTA and IATA in Americas
The Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) has announced a major leadership change that promises to reshape regional air transport dynamics. Peter Cerda, the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Americas regional vice president, is set to become ALTA’s new executive director and CEO, effective March 15, 2025. In a strategic move that consolidates roles, Cerda will retain his current position at IATA, combining both leadership roles to drive stronger collaboration and efficiency in the region.
ALTA’s official statement highlighted the significance of this appointment: “IATA has agreed that Peter can continue in his current role and consolidate both leadership positions to strengthen the management and work of ALTA and IATA in the region.” Cerda, who has been with IATA since 1996, is a well-known figure in Latin American and Caribbean aviation circles. Over the years, he has tirelessly lobbied governments on behalf of the region’s airlines, advocating for lower taxes on airlines and ensuring that tax revenues are reinvested into airport infrastructure improvements.
Addressing the issue of high aviation taxes, Cerda recently told Aviation Week that during peak Caribbean season, the cost of flying from the United States to the Caribbean can sometimes exceed fares from Miami to Dubai. “A lot of it has to do with the amount of taxes and fees that are added onto the ticket,” he explained. This perspective underscores the ongoing debate over whether governments should reallocate the revenue from aviation taxes to directly enhance airport facilities, rather than funneling it into general government funds.
In addition to his focus on cost issues, Cerda has consistently stressed the importance of safety within the airline industry. Speaking at the Routes Americas conference in Nassau on February 10, he described a recent fatal accident near Washington Reagan National Airport as a “wake-up call.” “Safety is the most important day-to-day activity that our industry is working on—and we have to continue that,” he stated, emphasizing that robust safety practices must remain at the forefront of all aviation operations.
The appointment of Cerda marks a pivotal moment for ALTA, as the organization looks to build on the strong foundation laid by former CEO Jose Ricardo Botelho, who had steered the association through the turbulence of the pandemic since June 2020. ALTA praised Botelho for his leadership during an “exceptionally challenging period” and acknowledged his role in stabilizing the region’s air transport network during the global crisis.
Cerda’s new role comes at a time when the region’s aviation market is poised for growth, with increasing demand for enhanced connectivity and sustainable development in air travel. “I have a clear mission: to contribute to sustainable development over time and the sustainability of air transport in Latin America and the Caribbean,” Cerda affirmed. His extensive experience, combined with his dual leadership at both IATA and ALTA, is expected to bring about meaningful policy reforms, improved air connectivity, and a strengthened focus on safety and operational excellence across the region.
By merging the leadership roles, ALTA and IATA are aiming to streamline decision-making processes and better represent the interests of airlines in Latin America and the Caribbean. This unified approach is anticipated to foster greater collaboration among stakeholders, drive regulatory improvements, and ultimately lead to a more resilient and competitive aviation industry in the region.
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