Imagine the bustling El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, where planes take off and land continuously, connecting Colombia and Latin America's economic lifelines. Who better to coordinate this air traffic and help aviation play a greater role in this fast-growing market? The answer: an experienced leader at the helm.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently announced the appointment of Paula Bernal Sanint as its new Country Manager for Colombia, effective October 18. This marks the arrival of a new leader in one of Latin America's key aviation markets, tasked with representing, leading, and serving regional airlines.
Who Is Paula Bernal and Why Did IATA Choose Her?
Bernal is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in legal, government affairs, and regulatory fields. A graduate of Pontificia Universidad Javeriana with a law degree, she previously held key positions at law firms, government agencies, and regulatory bodies before joining IATA.
Most notably, Bernal served as Government Affairs Director for the Andean region at DiDi Global Inc., the world's leading mobility technology platform. Prior to that, she was Government and Regulatory Affairs Manager at British American Tobacco Colombia. These roles have given her deep understanding of government relations, policy-making, and industry regulation.
What Does IATA Value in This Appointment?
Peter Cerdá, IATA's Regional Vice President for the Americas, welcomed Bernal by stating: "I look forward to working with Paula to advance aviation's development agenda in one of Latin America's fastest-growing air transport markets. Her regulatory and government affairs experience will help ensure that institutional stakeholders across the value chain better understand the valuable socio-economic contributions aviation can make."
This statement reveals key reasons behind IATA's selection:
Fast-growing market: Colombia represents one of Latin America's most dynamic aviation markets with significant potential, though challenges remain in infrastructure development, airspace management, and safety regulation.
Government relations expertise: Aviation is a highly regulated industry closely tied to government policy. Bernal's experience will facilitate better communication between IATA and Colombian authorities to promote favorable policies.
Socio-economic impact: IATA aims to demonstrate aviation's crucial role in Colombia's economic and social development to gain broader support.
Challenges Ahead for the New Country Manager
Bernal will face several challenges in her new role:
Infrastructure limitations: Colombia's airport infrastructure requires expansion and modernization to meet growing demand.
Airspace efficiency: Improving air traffic management to reduce delays and operational costs.
Safety oversight: Strengthening safety regulations remains paramount.
Sustainability: Addressing environmental concerns through reduced carbon emissions.
Industry collaboration: Fostering cooperation among airlines to address shared challenges.
IATA's Strategic Positioning
As the trade association for airlines worldwide, representing about 290 carriers accounting for 82% of global air traffic, IATA's mission focuses on promoting safe, efficient, and sustainable aviation.
Bernal's appointment represents a strategic move in Latin America, aiming to strengthen collaboration with Colombian authorities and airlines to advance regional aviation development.
The Future of Colombian Aviation
With Colombia's aviation sector experiencing rapid growth driven by economic expansion and tourism, Bernal's leadership brings new momentum. Her appointment signals IATA's commitment to supporting Colombia's aviation development and its growing role in Latin America.