In the South American country a rule has been published that establishes that costs and expenses incurred during transportation of goods by air must be borne by the importers.
From a statement issued by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica (PROCOMER):
On October 11, the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) of Peru issued a rule that the costs and expenses incurred during transportation of goods by air will be borne by the importers.
Owners of VivaColombia and the mexican VivaAerobus have announced the opening of a holding company in Panama to start operations in Central and South America.
From a statement issued by Irelandia Aviation and Grupo IAMSA:
Irelandia Aviation and Grupo IAMSA, owners of the Mexican low-cost airline VivaAerobus and of the Colombian airline, VivaColombia, announced their intention to expand the Viva airline brand in Central and South America.
One of the major airlines in the region has recommended the construction of an international airport in the Pacific in order to improve the country's connectivity with the rest of the region and the world.
Pedro Heilbron, president of Copa Airlines said in an article on Eleconomista.net that the aviation market in Guatemala has "... some limitations in relation to other airport infrastructure, not only the terminal, but the location."
The arrival of new competitors with frequencies between Colombia and Central America has generated a reduction in rates, favoring customers.
The opening of routes from Medellin and Bogota to Panama, by the airlines AirPanama and VivaColombia with fares "... up to 70% less than those offered by the subsidiary of Copa Holdings" is already generating benefits to travelers.
Avianca has increased from four to six the number of weekly flights from Colombia to La Aurora Airport in Guatemala City.
The flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays using an Airbus A318 aircraft, leaving from the El Dorado airport in Bogota going to Guatemala City.
Avianca reported that two additional flights per week "... will start from July 17," according to Contrapunto.com.sv.
Panama exemplifies the relevance of air, sea and telecommunications connectivity for the competitiveness and economic growth of a country.
Having sea and air connectivity with the rest of the economic world is one of the main factors that has enabled the Panamanian economy to achieve higher growth rates, which are on average 7% per year.
Ardito Barletta, CEO of the National Competitiveness Center of Panama, pointed out in an article on Capital.com.pa that "...Another aspect of connectivity is that of telecommunications, as due to its geographical position there are six submarine fiber optic cables which amplify the power of data, voice and other communications relative to other countries in Latin America. "
Starting July 2nd the number of frequencies to the South American country will be reduced from 48 to 10 per week and flights from New York, Dallas and San Juan, Puerto Rico will be canceled, keeping only the Miami - Caracas route.
The reason behind the decision of the U.S. airline is the $750 million that the Venezuelan government owes, as it does to other airlines in the world, such as Alitalia, Copa Airlines and Air Canada, among others.
In 2013 the movement of cargo by sea and air increased by 10% and 8% respectively compared to the previous year.
From a press release issued by the National Port Commission of Guatemala (CPN):
Cargo volume increases in 2013
Despite the fact that earnings from foreign trade -imports and exports- stalled in 2013, the physical volume of trade increased, according to results from the movement of air and ocean freight.
From July Delta Airlines will fly once a day nonstop from Los Angeles to the capital of El Salvador.
The U.S. carrier Delta Airlines will begin operating a new route between San Salvador and Los Angeles on July 2 this year.
A press release issued by the airline indicates that "the route is pending approval by the government and will be operated using a Boeing 737-800 with 160 seats, including 16 Business Class seats, 18 seats in Economy Comfort and 126 seats in Economy. "
The low-cost airline Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos plans to offer a daily flight from Ilopango airport in Guatemala City.
The airline Transportes Aéreos Guatemaltecos will start operations on March 20, offering a daily flight from Ilopango airport east of San Salvador, to La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala. The flight between the two cities will take approximately 30 minutes.
The low-cost airline VivaColombia is looking at opening up routes to Central American countries.
During the inauguration of Routes Americas which was held in El Salvador, the head of tourism in the country, Jose Napoleon Duarte said they have begun talks with the low-cost airline VivaColombia, which has shown interest in opening routes to countries in Central America.
Avianca has added two new daily flights between San Jose and Guatemala City.
Last week Avianca added two new daily nonstop flights between San Jose and Guatemala City.
"... The link will be operated using two Airbus A320 aircraft for 150 passengers: 12 in business class and 138 in economy class, and has a load capacity of 18,100 kilograms."
"This increase in flights means a total of 1,050 additional seats per week for the market, which equates to a capacity increase of 100%."
From 23rd to 25th of February representatives from airlines, airports and the tourism industry will be reviewing air services in the region.
More than 400 aviation professionals, representatives from 70 airlines, 25 authorities for tourism and airports will meet from 23rd to 25th February in El Salvador in the seventh edition of Routes Americas, an event aimed at developing new routes and expanding connectivity .
A suit claiming unconstitutionality has been filed over the new tax that rises to $48 what must be paid at airports.
The Chamber of Tourism of Guatemala (Camtur) has filed a constitutional complaint against the new tax of $15 for entry and exit by air out of the Central American country.
"The industry argues that this makes tourism in Guatemala less competitive."
The new tax will be used to fund the security and immigration systems but has already been opposed by tourism operators.
The Ministry of Interior announced that as of February 12 a $15 fee will be charged for entering or exiting Guatemala by air. Bruno Mertins, general manager of the travel agency Turansa believes that "the measure not only make ticket prices to and from Guatemala far more expensive, but it also makes the sector less competitive."