ProColombia, the new name of the tourism and promotions organisation that was ProExport Colombia, is experiencing a rise in new international flights to the country as it takes the top spot for economic growth in the region.
Aeromexico begins new nonstop service to Medellin from Mexico City on March 2, 2015 followed by KLM launching Amsterdam-Bogota--Cali on March 28, 2015. "We will see another new international service to Medellin coming soon as well," a representative of the company told Routesonline during Routes Americas.
Colombia's strong 4.5 per cent GDP growth in 2014 - the best in Latin America - is fueling airline interest in the country, said the representative. "We have one of the top 30 economies in the world, with international visitors growing every year," she said.
"Routes Americas is the best place for us to attract new airlines, and this is why we hosted it in Cartagena a few years ago," she noted. Colombia has 935 international flights from eight airports and the country wants more diversity in air service.
Bogota, where the focus for international carriers has been, will see a new airport and new cargo facilities in the coming years. The airport holds the number one ranking in Latin America for cargo and was one of the highest growth airports in all of the Americas in 2013.
Colombia is not only addressing infrastructure needs in Bogota, but also at five other airports. Medellin's Rionegro airport will be expanded this year, and at the start of this month a 36-month construction project began at Santa Marta airport.
"We have more than 50 free trade agreements, so a strong GDP and a stronger economy shows that we have the market for airlines," said the representative. Colombia sent eleven delegates to Routes Americas and will be visible in 2016 when the event moves to San Juan.
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