Imagine strolling along Costa Rica's golden beaches, caressed by Caribbean breezes, or exploring its lush rainforests where nature's artistry unfolds. These unforgettable experiences are made possible for 90% of visitors by one critical factor: air transportation. As Costa Rica's aviation sector rebounds from the pandemic, how can this "Garden of Central America" leverage its recovery to blossom even brighter?
Costa Rica: Where Aviation Fuels Economic Growth
Good morning distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. It's an honor to address this gathering at Costa Rica Aviation Day as we explore the industry's future. Let me extend warm welcomes to Tourism Minister William Rodríguez, Public Works and Transport Minister Luis Amador, government representatives, diplomatic corps, and all participants. Special gratitude goes to our sponsors whose generosity made this event possible.
Aviation transcends mere aircraft and airports—it carries dreams and bridges global distances. For Costa Rica, its importance is undeniable: with 90% of visitors arriving by air, aviation forms the lifeblood of tourism and a powerful economic engine.
Post-Pandemic Resilience: Costa Rica's Aviation Rebound
While COVID-19 devastated global aviation, Costa Rica's market demonstrated remarkable resilience:
- GDP Impact: In 2019, tourism contributed 10.8% to GDP and provided 11% of national employment.
- Visitor Surge: First-half 2023 air arrivals reached 1.3 million—a 19.4% increase over 2022, surpassing 2019 levels.
- Job Creation: Tourism generated nearly 160,000 direct jobs in early 2023.
These figures confirm Costa Rica's aviation sector has not just recovered but is accelerating toward new opportunities.
Route Expansion: Wings for Economic Ascent
Costa Rica's tourism thrives on breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and adventure activities—all underpinned by sustainable development commitments that benefit communities and preserve ecosystems.
Recent route expansions strengthen global connections:
- From Liberia: New direct flights to Austin, San Francisco, and Zurich.
- From San José: Routes to Cartagena, Medellín, Quito, Chicago, Denver, New York (JFK), Washington, and Montreal.
These routes deliver multifaceted benefits:
- Enhanced visitor convenience with more direct access points
- Improved connectivity for approximately 120,000 U.S. expatriates, including retirees
- New commercial gateways for Costa Rican businesses expanding internationally
Travel Habits: Local Potential and Global Benchmarks
Costa Ricans are frequent flyers, averaging 1.3 trips annually—triple Latin America's 0.45 average. Yet growth potential remains when compared to the U.S. (2.6) or Spain (4.4). Broadening air travel accessibility can drive socioeconomic progress.
Cargo Aviation: Trade Accelerator
Beyond tourism, aviation powers exports—from microchips and medical devices to tropical fruits and world-renowned coffee. Brands like Café Britt exemplify this, operating 50+ global outlets including airport locations, thanks to air cargo networks.
Safety First: Building a Robust Framework
Today's discussions address critical challenges including infrastructure investment and regulatory standards. Notably, Costa Rica will sign a memorandum adopting IATA's IOSA, ISSA, and ISAGO safety programs—becoming Central America's first nation to integrate these international benchmarks into its aviation regulations.
The Road Ahead: Preparing for Takeoff
Projections indicate passenger volumes will nearly triple to 11 million by 2030. Achieving this requires:
- Substantial airport infrastructure investment
- Cost-competitive policies avoiding the pitfalls of excessive taxation seen elsewhere
Continued government-industry collaboration remains essential for sustained growth.
Green Skies: Sustainability in Flight
As an environmental leader—powered entirely by renewable energy—Costa Rica is uniquely positioned to advance aviation decarbonization. While airlines modernize fleets with fuel-efficient aircraft, government support through policies incentivizing sustainable fuel development is crucial for meaningful progress.
Conclusion: The Connecting Power of Flight
Aviation links people, cultures, and commerce while realizing dreams. Costa Rica's success hinges on collective commitment to advancing air transport—ensuring this vital sector soars sustainably toward a brighter future for all citizens.
Thank you, and may your discussions be productive.