The Ecuadorian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) will implement a new mechanism to recognize Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) issued by other countries in the region. Established under Resolution No. 003/2025, this initiative aims to reduce bureaucratic redundancies and facilitate the entry of new airlines into the Ecuadorian market.
According to the DGAC, foreign airline AOCs will be homologated within a maximum of one month, provided they meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. This decision aligns with regulatory simplification trends seen in other regions, enhancing connectivity and operational efficiency in the sector.
Industry Leaders Applaud the Initiative
The Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) welcomed the move.
"Currently, air transport in Latin America faces regulatory barriers that limit its expansion. Ecuador is taking a step forward with this mutual recognition model for Air Operator Certificates," said José Ricardo Botelho, ALTA CEO.
Botelho also highlighted the potential cost and time savings for airlines.
"Facilitating the entry of new airlines and expansion of operations can lead to more competitive fares and greater access to air travel for passengers," he added.
He further emphasized the measure’s importance in a region where connectivity remains limited, noting that Latin America’s per capita travel rate is only 0.64.
"These regulatory redundancies increase bureaucracy and operational costs, making it harder for the sector to remain competitive. Ecuador is leading the way with this recognition model," Botelho concluded.
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Impact on Connectivity and Economic Growth
Simplifying certification processes is crucial in a region still facing connectivity challenges. According to ALTA data, Ecuador’s aviation industry supports over 330,000 jobs and contributes more than $4.6 billion annually to the national economy.
Ecuador’s Minister of Tourism, Mateo Estrella, previously addressed this issue at the ALTA AGM & Airline Leaders Forum 2024 in the Bahamas, emphasizing the country's efforts to promote air integration within the Andean Community (CAN).
"This is a key factor in evaluating operational costs. If an airline already meets the regulations in Peru, Colombia, or Ecuador, why duplicate efforts when we could significantly expand the market?" Estrella stated.
A Model for the Region?
Ecuador’s decision could serve as a model for other Latin American countries. ALTA has urged governments to consider similar measures to reduce regulatory barriers and enhance the sector’s competitiveness, fostering a more efficient and internationally aligned aviation ecosystem.
According to Aviacionline data from Cirium, Ecuador’s domestic market is dominated by LATAM (49.7%) and Avianca (43.6%), with Aeroregional holding a 6.7% share. The country also has several small regional air taxi operators, though their market impact remains minimal. The last notable Ecuadorian airline, Equair, operated from 2021 to 2023.
Ecuador’s regulatory shift could pave the way for increased competition and improved air travel access, benefiting both airlines and passengers alike.
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AUTOR
Contando la aviación desde marzo del año 2000. Fundador y Managing Editor de Aviacionline.
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