South America, Central America and The Caribbean Business Aviation during the Coronavirus

The biggest logistical challenges of this pandemic revolve around the adjustments that must be made as a result of COVID-19. Most countries in South and Central America have taken a cautious approach to reopening and many have delayed this until August 2020.Main challenges for BA operations

• The challenges we’re experiencing is finding places to operate to; most countries have tight restrictions in place and are limiting travel to all except citizens and residents.

• MEDEVACS and repatriation flights are allowed in most countries, but because of the restrictions official sponsorship through the Embassies is required to secure landing permission.

• Credit facilities with handlers are more difficult to obtain and payment terms are tighter due to the reduction in business at several locations.

• Finding hotels that are open and available have been a significant factor throughout Central America.

• Additionally, strict evening curfews have made airport operating hours more restrictive – Even for technical refueling stops.

 Challenges by countryThe Bahamas have recently announced a limited opening at the beginning of July and commercial flights will resume as well.Finding hotels that are open and available have been a significant factor in Mexico and throughout Central America.In Argentina, lockdown restrictions have been extended until July 17 and residents are only allowed to leave their homes for essential goods and services. The extension is in response to a spike in COVID-19 cases. Cases have increased 5-fold since May.Bolivia has extended its countrywide quarantine until July 31. This includes a weekday curfew from 1800-0500 LT. No private vehicles are permitted to operate on roadways each Saturday and Sunday. International flights remain suspended and a face mask order is in place.In Brazil, protests continue as citizens are increasingly upset with the government’s handling of the COVID-19 Crisis. Brazil has logged its largest number of infections.The Dominican Republic- The State of Emergency is set to expire on June 30; however, non-essential businesses will remain closed. This closure is indefinite. A facemask order will remain in place, as well as a curfew form 2000-0500 LT. Essential business is exempt from the order. Public transportation has resumed in a limited capacity.Peru- The nationwide state of emergency has been extended to 31 July. Hard hit areas of the country will have a curfew imposed between 2000-0400 local time. All other areas will have a curfew between 2200-0400.Costa Rica has extended its border closure until August 1. The border will then only open to people arriving from countries who have controlled the spread of the virus. No word on which countries will be included in that list has been released at this time.Mexico has not significantly restricted flights and landing permissions are quite easy to secure. Despite rising numbers for people infected with COVID-19, Mexico City is permitting more businesses to reopen, albeit with limited hours and capacities. Hotels are a little more difficult so plan to secure hotels early. There have been more hotels reopening in recent weeks.Demand for BAThe appetite for operations is there but as stated before most locations are limiting flights so there are few places to operate to.The most frequent requests we’ve been dealing with have been for repatriation, MEDEVAC and cargo flights.The main client concerns we are hearing is biometric testing (Nasal swab) will be required by the Bahamas and once locations open, we anticipate this to be a fairly widespread requirement.