At La Aurora International Airport, LAATS has secured a dominant position with a 96% market share in cargo ramp services and a 65% share in passenger ramp services. 

When asked about sustaining such dominance amid shifting market conditions, the answer is clear: adaptability and dedication to quality. “LAATS maintains its leading position through agile and intelligent adaptability to industry changes, backed by a team committed to safety, quality, and efficiency,” the company states. The year 2025 marks a milestone with substantial investments in electric ground support equipment (GSE). “We are importing additional units to enhance operational efficiency—further strengthening our world-class service,” they add, highlighting how modernization aligns with sustainability goals.

Transitioning to electric GSE has not been without challenges, but the benefits are tangible. “This investment has directly improved operational efficiency and aligns with our commitment to continuous improvement and higher environmental standards,” LAATS explains. Such green initiatives demonstrate a forward-thinking approach, crucial in an era where environmental responsibility increasingly influences business strategy.

Moreover, LAATS is expanding its footprint beyond Guatemala, actively developing services at Mundo Maya International Airport and in Panama. “In Mundo Maya, the focus is on evaluating market potential and developing infrastructure for future air cargo services. In Panama, strategic partnerships are being formed, and connectivity with regional and international markets is being enhanced,” signaling a broader regional vision.

One critical factor elevating LAATS’ operational standards is its adherence to ISAGO certification, a globally recognized benchmark in ground handling safety and quality. The impact is profound: “ISAGO has led to the implementation of standardized and controlled procedures, enhancing consistency and efficiency in ramp, cargo, aircraft, and passenger handling operations.”

Safety is not a one-time achievement but a continuous journey. LAATS emphasizes rigorous regulatory processes, audits, continuous training, and risk management. “We use performance indicators and conduct systematic analyses to verify that safety objectives are met. Change management and specific methodologies are applied to evaluate the impact of operational changes, maintaining safety in all new or modified processes.” Additionally, their Safety Management System (SMS) integrates hazard identification, risk assessment, mitigation, and safety promotion—an all-encompassing approach ensuring operational excellence and protecting stakeholders.

LAATS’ commitment to operational excellence was recently recognized with the “Best Station” award at the 2024 Pride of Ground Handling Awards. What sets them apart? “A full commitment to operational safety and quality from top management to front-line operations—prioritizing them above all other values,” they explain. This ethos permeates every layer of the company.

Continuous improvement through adopting best practices and quality standards is fundamental. “A constant pursuit of continuous improvement through the adoption of best practices and quality standards that govern the global market” ensures LAATS stays ahead. Furthermore, genuine engagement with clients builds trust and allows LAATS to tailor its services. “A deep understanding of our clients through ongoing and genuine engagement with them” positions the company as a true strategic partner in the airline industry.

While their cargo, maintenance, and passenger services operate as distinct departments, LAATS maintains a unified vision. “All department managers share a strong commitment and vision to deliver service excellence. This is why high levels of horizontal communication are maintained across departments to fulfill—and exceed—our service promise,” they reveal.

Customization is key to meeting the unique needs of various airlines operating in Guatemala. “Part of our success lies in listening to our clients and understanding their specific and unique needs.” This approach involves “frequent and high-level communication—both virtual and in-person—with each airline representative,” enabling LAATS to identify challenges and develop effective solutions.

Operating in Guatemala comes with infrastructure hurdles. The airport remains “one of the few in the world still 100% state managed,” causing delays and bureaucratic obstacles. LAATS’ strategy has been proactive engagement with authorities, “identifying and proposing solutions that we know are capable of implementing.” In some cases, LAATS even “proposed and executed several solutions… sometimes absorbing the associated costs,” underscoring their dedication to supporting airport growth and economic development.

On the regulatory front, LAATS acknowledges the diversity across Latin America but finds comfort in growing standardization. “Over the past 10 years, we have witnessed ongoing standardization among laws, regulations, and procedures, which has allowed us to operate comfortably in most cases.” Their early adoption of ISAGO in 2011 further strengthens their compliance, enabling “adaptation more quickly and comprehensively than other handlers that are not ISAGO-certified.”

Technology is reshaping ground handling, and LAATS is no exception. “Now more than ever, our industry can generate and store operational data automatically—something that was not easily achievable in the past.” Their challenge today is transforming “these large volumes of data into actionable information that drives decision-making across both operational and financial areas.”

To meet this, LAATS has created “a dedicated projects and analytics team to begin managing and interpreting our operational data,” ensuring that insights support strategic decisions—mirroring tech industry successes.

Beyond electrifying GSE, their sustainability initiatives span energy efficiency, waste management, circular economy practices, environmental education, and supplier collaboration. Examples include “LED lighting, optimized climate control, and low-consumption equipment” for energy savings, and “improvements in sorting, reuse, and recycling” to reduce waste. They also promote “environmental awareness among employees and the community” and partner with suppliers who share their sustainability vision. All these align with global trends focused on reducing carbon footprint and resource use.