Como citar APA:
Lopéz, A., Coronado, A. (2024) Development of the aviation industry
and professionalization through the hiring of young people related to the tourism, hotel
or air traffic sector. Repique, 6(2), 91-106
Vol. 6 Núm. 2
Julio - Diciembre 2024
e-ISSN: 2550-6676
pp 91-106
Development of the aviation industry and professionalization
through the hiring of young people related to the tourism, hotel
or air traffic sector
Ana Luisa López Brunett
*
Alejandro Andrés Coronado Martínez
*
Abstract
The study focuses on the comparative analysis of the main
competencies required by the aviation industry operating in
Guayaquil versus those promoted by the technological ones. The
research responds to a result of the TES research project entitled:
"Laboratories of professional competencies in aviation". It was
based on the management of sustainable local development and
used a systematic approach, making use of data collection
techniques in bibliographic sources and analysis sheets as scientific
tools. The sample consisted of several documents that made
possible the comparative analysis and theoretical foundation on the
main competencies demanded by the aviation industry in
Guayaquil in contrast with those promoted by technological
institutions.
Keywords:
Competencies, Aviation, Technological, Industry,
Systematic.
Lcda. Instituto Superior Tecnológico Universitario Espíritu Santo, alopez@tes.edu.ec,
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7040-3807
Lcdo. Instituto Superior Tecnológico Universitario Espíritu Santo,
aacoronado@tes.edu.ec, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6121-2280
Ana Luisa López Brunett, Alejandro Andrés Coronado Martínez
92
Desarrollo de la industria aeronáutica y profesionalización
mediante la contratacn devenes relacionados con el sector
turístico, hotelero o del tráfico aéreo
Resumen
El estudio se centra en el análisis comparativo de las principales
competencias requeridas por la industria de la aviación que opera
en Guayaquil frente a las promovidas por las tecnológicas. La
investigación responde a un resultado del proyecto de
investigación TES titulado: "Laboratorios de competencias
profesionales en aviación". Se basó en la gestión del desarrollo
local sostenible y utilizó un enfoque sistemático, haciendo uso de
técnicas de recolección de datos en fuentes bibliográficas y fichas
de análisis como herramientas científicas. La muestra estuvo
constituida por varios documentos que posibilitaron el análisis
comparativo y la fundamentación teórica sobre las principales
competencias demandadas por la industria de la aviación en
Guayaquil en contraste con las promovidas por las instituciones
tecnológicas.
Palabras clave:
Competencias, Aviación, Tecnológicas, Industria,
Sistemáticas.
Received : 11-02-2024
Approved: 16-04-2024
INTRODUCTION
The development of the aviation industry is a crucial factor for
economic growth and global integration, especially in strategic
regions such as Guayaquil. This sector not only facilitates the
efficient transportation of people and goods, but also generates
employment and promotes tourism. In an environment of rapid
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technological evolution, the aviation industry faces the challenge of
remaining competitive and safe, which requires a highly trained and
adaptable workforce. The professionalization of this sector through
the recruitment of young people specialized in tourism, hospitality
and air traffic is essential to ensure that air operations not only meet
international standards, but also align with the expectations of
modern consumers in terms of quality and service.
The integration of young professionals into the aviation industry can
significantly transform the industry's employment and operational
landscape. These individuals, trained in related disciplines such as
tourism, hospitality and air traffic, bring a fresh perspective and
contemporary skills that are critical to addressing current market
demands. However, aligning their competencies with the specific
needs of the industry requires a strategic approach to continuing
education and training. Establishing training programs that
combine technical knowledge with practical skills can not only
improve operational efficiency, but also raise customer service
standards, thus boosting the reputation and competitiveness of
aviation in Guayaquil and beyond.
The issues that arise due to the aviation industry operating in
Guayaquil, as compared to those fostered by technological
advances, are multifaceted. One of the main issues is the gap
between the current competencies of workers and the new skills
required by technological evolution. Despite the importance of
effective planning, regulation and management of aeronautical
activities, the shortage of alignment with modern standards of
quality and customer service becomes a significant challenge.
Airlines in Guayaquil often prioritize low fares and route advertising
over customer experience, resulting in service that does not meet
contemporary passenger expectations, affecting customer loyalty
and satisfaction.
Ana Luisa López Brunett, Alejandro Andrés Coronado Martínez
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In addition, the infrastructure of the José Joaquín de Olmedo
airport does not project an adequate image of the city, which
negatively impacts the perception of investors, executives, and
visitors. This situation underscores the need for facility
improvements to provide a better first impression and attract more
business and tourism. The disconnect between traditional
competencies and the skills fostered by technology also means that
the training and professionalization of young people in the tourism,
hospitality and air traffic sectors are not adequately adapted to the
current needs of the aviation industry. This gap hinders the effective
labor insertion of these young people and limits their potential for
professional growth in a competitive and constantly evolving
technological market, as will be analyzed in this study.
The objective of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of
the main competencies required by the aviation industry operating
in Guayaquil in contrast to the competencies promoted by
technological institutions. This analysis will seek to identify the
essential skills and knowledge demanded by the aeronautical
sector, as well as evaluate how these align with or diverge from the
competencies promoted by current educational and technological
programs. In doing so, it is intended to provide a clearer
understanding of existing gaps and opportunities for improvement,
in order to inform strategies that can strengthen the training and
professionalization of young people interested in entering the
aviation industry, thus ensuring its competitiveness and long-term
sustainability.
Conducting a comparative analysis of the main competencies
required by the aviation industry operating in Guayaquil in contrast
to the competencies promoted by technological institutions is
crucial to address the changing needs of the market and ensure
adequate preparation of the workforce. The aviation industry faces
constant technological advances and changes in consumer
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expectations, requiring employees to possess up-to-date and
relevant skills.
The process of how to conduct this comparative analysis involves
gathering comprehensive data from both sides; the specific
competencies demanded by airlines and other industry players in
Guayaquil, and the skills and knowledge promoted by educational
and technological programs. Methods such as surveys, interviews
with aviation professionals, review of educational curricula and
analysis of industry trend reports can be used to obtain a complete
and accurate picture. This approach will identify not only technical
and operational competencies, but also the soft skills and
innovation capabilities that are increasingly valued in the modern
aviation environment.
The ultimate goal of this analysis is to provide a solid foundation for
the design of educational and training strategies that effectively
respond to the needs of the aviation industry. By clearly
understanding which competencies are most valued by airlines and
how they compare to those taught in technological institutions,
training programs can be developed that are more aligned with
market realities. This will not only benefit young professionals,
providing them with better employment and development
opportunities, but will also strengthen the aviation industry in
Guayaquil, making it more competitive and prepared for future
challenges.
This benchmarking is essential to bridge the gap between
education and professional practice in the aviation industry. By
identifying and aligning key competencies, it can ensure that new
professionals are well equipped to contribute effectively to the
industry, thus promoting sustainable development and continuous
improvement in operational and service standards. This, in turn, will
Ana Luisa López Brunett, Alejandro Andrés Coronado Martínez
96
positively impact the local economy and the global perception of
Guayaquil as a center of aeronautical excellence.
The Tourism and Hotel Management career promotes the
development of the tourism and hotel sector in the central region
of the country. For Mera, J., et al. (2020), this is achieved through
the training of highly qualified professionals, who occupy relevant
positions in both the public and private spheres, covering areas
such as lodging, tour guide, tourist transportation and catering. In
addition, the use of technological tools and professional analysis in
tourism and hospitality are fundamental for efficient performance in
these areas.
The integration of advanced technological tools into the academic
curriculum is fundamental to the success of tourism and hospitality
professionals. These tools allow for better data management and
analysis, resource optimization and improved decision making. The
knowledge and use of modern technology translates into greater
operational efficiency and the ability to adapt to the trends and
demands of the global tourism market.
The aviation industry must promote diversity in order to meet its
future demands. In this research, we believe that aviation is
currently not diverse enough (Ondo, A., 2020). Without a workforce
that reflects this diversity, the industry may struggle to understand
and meet the needs of different market segments, which could
negatively affect customer satisfaction and loyalty.
For Valencia, J. (2020), the air transport sector plays a crucial role in
global economic activities and remains one of the fastest expanding
segments in the world economy. In all regions, countries rely on the
aviation industry to drive economic growth and provide essential
services to local communities.
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Air transport is a fundamental pillar of the tourism industry, which
in turn is an important source of income for many countries. It
facilitates the movement of tourists internationally, which promotes
cultural exchange and encourages investment in tourism
infrastructure.
Within the main competencies required by the aviation industry,
according to Larduet, Y., & Hernández, J. (2023), it is initially
connected directly with customers or with transportation agencies,
and finally with the processes of flight management and aircraft
preparation, which are the main competencies required by the
aviation industry. It presents the procedures that describe how
cargo transportation service is marketed and supervised on
scheduled passenger flights and cargo aircraft, in accordance with
airline regulations. Its scope is applicable to all areas of Cargo
Management, both nationally and internationally.
Another of the competencies required in the aviation industry is
manual flight management. Salguero, A. (2020), mentions that the
objective of flight operations management is to exercise effective
control over aircraft, crews and missions to be carried out. This
process must be carried out in each Air Group to determine if the
planned flight can be carried out as planned or if it needs to be
modified in some aspect.
Manual flight management allows for greater flexibility and
adaptability during operations. Although flight planning is done in
advance, unforeseen circumstances may arise that require
adjustments on the fly. The pilots' ability to make quick and
accurate decisions, based on their experience and manual flying
skills, is critical in dealing with such situations and ensuring that the
flight is conducted safely and efficiently.
With respect to technology implementation Grigera, J., & Nava, A.
(2021), used the historical adoption rate of aviation and cell phones
Ana Luisa López Brunett, Alejandro Andrés Coronado Martínez
98
as an indicator to predict how artificial intelligence and other
industry technologies will impact jobs in the current context,
allowing for significant advancement. Their research offers valuable
insight for decision makers and industry professionals by providing
a predictive framework that can help prepare for and take
advantage of opportunities arising in an ever-changing
technological environment.
By basing themselves on the trajectory of adoption of previous
technologies and their effect on the labor market, they offer a solid
methodology for anticipating future changes. This approach not
only recognizes the importance of learning from past experience,
but also highlights the adaptability and evolution of the labor
market in the face of the introduction of new technologies.
METHODOLOGY
The research process on the development of the aviation industry
and professionalization through the recruitment of young people
related to the tourism, hospitality or air traffic sector was
established with a systematic type of research. First, the line of
research was grounded in sustainable local development
management, recognizing the importance of driving economic
growth in an equitable and environmentally friendly manner
(González, M., & Núñez, S., 2020). This approach provided a solid
framework for analyzing how the aviation industry can contribute to
sustainable development in the region, while providing
employment and professional growth opportunities for young
people.
In order to carry out this research, a systematic type of investigation
was employed, which involved an exhaustive analysis of
bibliographic sources and analysis sheets as scientific instruments
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99
(Falcón, A., & Serpa, G., 2021). These data collection techniques
allowed gathering relevant information on the competencies
required by the aviation industry, both locally in Guayaquil and in
comparison with global trends fostered by technological advances.
This approach made it possible to identify the specific needs of the
sector and the development opportunities for young people
interested in entering the industry (Mendoza, S., & Avila, D., 2020).
The sample used in this study consisted of a wide variety of
documents, including research reports, academic articles,
government policies and market studies. These documents
provided a solid basis for comparative analysis and theoretical
substantiation, allowing us to identify the main competencies
demanded by the aviation industry and to assess how they align
with the skills and knowledge promoted by local educational and
technological institutions.
This research process was fundamental to understanding how the
aviation industry can contribute to the sustainable development
and professionalization of young people in Guayaquil. By relying on
a systematic approach and using a wide range of information
sources, it was possible to identify key areas of opportunity and
design effective strategies to foster job placement and professional
growth of young people in the aviation sector.
RESULTS
According to the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (2022), the
competence of this directorate is "civil aeronautics", through the
planning, regulation, control and administration of activities related
to civil aeronautics of natural or legal persons, national or foreign,
operating in the country.
Ana Luisa López Brunett, Alejandro Andrés Coronado Martínez
100
Due to intense competition, airlines must strive to achieve full
customer satisfaction, ensuring their welfare. However, per Jaime,
N., & Omar, J. (2023), so far it is known that airlines operating in the
city of Guayaquil present aspects in flight experiences that do not
align with the new quality standards. These airlines focus mainly on
offering cheap fares and advertising their routes, diverting from
their main objective, which is customer service.
This approach, while attractive in the short term to attract more
passengers, compromises the fundamental objective of satisfying
customer needs and expectations. By neglecting essential aspects
of the user experience, such as comfort, in-flight service and
personalized attention, these airlines risk losing customer loyalty.
Service quality is a crucial factor for long-term sustainability and,
therefore, airlines must re-evaluate their strategies to ensure that
the customer remains their top priority, aligning themselves with
modern quality approaches that demand comprehensive
passenger care.
For Chamaidán, S. (2021), in Ecuador, in the province of Guayas,
the José Joaquín de Olmedo airport in the city of Guayaquil has a
general aviation terminal that currently projects an incorrect image
of the city, according to his study and not only to foreign investors,
executives and recognized personalities, but to any visitor using the
terminal's services. Much remains to be done to improve that first
impression, even if it is a short stay, a technical stop or a business
destination.
In the comparative analysis of the views on the competencies
required by the aviation industry in Guayaquil versus those
promoted by the technologists, several central approaches and
concerns are identified. The competencies required in the aviation
industry focus on "civil aeronautics," which encompasses the
planning, regulation, control and administration of all civil aviation
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related activities for individuals and entities, both domestic and
foreign, operating in the country. This regulatory framework
establishes a comprehensive standard to ensure that aeronautical
operations in Ecuador are conducted safely and efficiently,
highlighting the importance of sound management and rigorous
oversight.
On the other hand, different authors point out that the airlines
operating in Guayaquil are not aligned with the new quality
standards in the aviation industry. They argue that, due to intense
competition, these airlines focus more on offering low fares and
promoting their routes, diverting from their main objective, which
is customer service. This approach, while it may attract passengers
in the short term, compromises the quality of service and user
experience, which can lead to a loss of customer loyalty. Jaime and
Omar highlight the need for airlines to rethink their strategies to
prioritize customer satisfaction, ensuring comfort, good in-flight
service and personalized attention, essential elements for long-term
sustainability.
In addition, a perspective is offered on the infrastructure and image
projected by the José Joaquín de Olmedo airport in Guayaquil. The
author notes that the general aviation terminal does not adequately
reflect the quality of the city, which affects the perception of foreign
investors, executives and visitors in general. This study underscores
the need to improve the airport's infrastructure to provide a better
first impression, even for those who are just passing through,
whether for a brief stay, a technical stop, or for business. This
suggests that, in addition to operational and service competencies,
airport infrastructure and presentation also play a crucial role in the
perception and success of the aviation industry in Guayaquil.
In summary, while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation
emphasizes the importance of robust management and regulation,
Ana Luisa López Brunett, Alejandro Andrés Coronado Martínez
102
they highlight the need to improve the quality of customer service
at Guayaquil's airlines, and underscore the importance of airport
infrastructure to the city's image. These views, taken together,
suggest that technical and operational competencies as well as
service quality and infrastructure are critical to the sustainable and
successful development of the aviation industry in Guayaquil.
For future studies, it is essential to investigate how the aviation
industry can optimize its recruitment and training strategies to
attract and professionalize talented young people in the tourism,
hospitality and air traffic sector. Questions such as: What are the
specific competencies that need to be developed in educational
programs to better align graduates with industry demands; what
impact does the incorporation of advanced technology have on the
training and performance of these young professionals; and what is
the impact of the incorporation of advanced technology on the
training and performance of these young professionals? In addition,
it would be valuable to analyze how collaborations between airlines,
educational institutions and government agencies can facilitate a
more effective transition from academia to the labor market, and
how these partnerships can contribute to sustainable local
development.
CONCLUSIONS
In the comparative analysis of the different views on the
competencies required by the aviation industry in Guayaquil in
contrast to those promoted by the technological institutions,
several key perspectives stand out. The competencies required in
this industry focus primarily on "civil aeronautics," which includes
the planning, regulation, control and administration of all activities
related to civil aviation for individuals and entities, both domestic
and foreign, operating in the country. This regulatory framework
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Vol. 6 No. 2 – 2024
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103
establishes a comprehensive standard to ensure that aeronautical
operations in Ecuador are conducted safely and efficiently,
underscoring the importance of sound management and rigorous
oversight.
On the other hand, several authors indicate that the airlines
operating in Guayaquil do not meet the new quality standards in
the aviation industry. They argue that, due to intense competition,
these airlines focus on offering low fares and promoting their
routes, diverting from their main objective, which is customer
service. This approach, while it may attract passengers in the short
term, compromises the quality of service and user experience,
which can result in a loss of customer loyalty.
A critical perspective is offered on the infrastructure and image
projected by the José Joaquín de Olmedo airport in Guayaquil. This
study highlights the need to improve the airport's infrastructure to
provide a better first impression, even for those who are just
passing through, whether for a short stay, a technical stop or for
business. This suggests that, in addition to operational and service
competencies, airport infrastructure and presentation also play a
crucial role in the perception and success of the aviation industry in
Guayaquil.
In conclusion, while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation
emphasizes the importance of robust management and regulation,
other authors highlight the need to improve the quality of customer
service in Guayaquil's airlines, and the importance of airport
infrastructure for the city's image is underscored. These views,
taken together, suggest that technical and operational
competencies as well as service quality and infrastructure are
fundamental for the sustainable and successful development of the
aviation industry in Guayaquil. This requires comprehensive
Ana Luisa López Brunett, Alejandro Andrés Coronado Martínez
104
attention ranging from efficient management and regulation to
improving the customer experience and airport infrastructure.
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