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In the complex, high-stakes world of aviation, safety, precision, and efficiency are not just buzzwords—they are the foundation of every successful operation. One company that has not only internalized this ethos but has also elevated it into an art form is LAATS S.A., a premier ground handling and fixed-base operations (FBO) provider based in Guatemala. Under the visionary leadership of Mario Alfredo Juarez Rizo, LAATS has grown from a regional provider to a name synonymous with quality, trust, and innovation in Latin American aviation.
Founded in 1998, LAATS has had a focused yet dynamic journey—one shaped significantly by the rich and multidimensional career of its CEO, Mario Juarez. A graduate in Industrial Engineering from Louisiana State University, Juarez brought to LAATS a wealth of experience that spans across roles in aviation maintenance, engineering, regulation, and airline operations in both government and private sectors. His professional journey—from Line Engineer at La Vereda Sewing Company to Maintenance Manager for TACA regionals, and eventually founding multiple businesses—embodies a rare blend of technical expertise, entrepreneurial drive, and strategic vision.
This foundation has been instrumental in shaping LAATS into one of the most respected independent ground handlers in the region. Today, the company operates with a clear mission: to deliver ground support services that match or exceed global standards while remaining adaptable to the unique demands of the Latin American aviation landscape.
One of LAATS’ most significant achievements lies in its 13 consecutive years of ISAGO certification—an extraordinary feat that underscores its dedication to safety, compliance, and quality assurance. As the first independent provider in Latin America and the Caribbean to pass the ISAGO audit year after year, LAATS has set a high benchmark for others in the industry.
“ISAGO has helped us implement standardized, efficient, and controlled procedures across all our operations,” says Juarez. “It’s not just about ticking boxes. It’s about cultivating a culture of safety, performance, and accountability.”
This consistency sends a clear message to clients, regulators, and partners alike: LAATS can be trusted to deliver—always.
In 2024, this commitment to excellence culminated in international recognition when LAATS won the “Best Station” award at the GHI Pride of Ground Handling Awards. The award is a tribute to the organization’s holistic performance, highlighting not just top leadership, but every team member’s dedication to the mission.
“This award belongs to our people—from our executives to our ramp agents,” says Juarez with characteristic humility. “It reflects our passion, discipline, and shared purpose.”
In a bid to extend its hallmark quality to premium clients, LAATS has introduced a new FBO at La Aurora International Airport, offering a world-class executive aviation experience. Designed for discerning private and corporate travelers, the FBO is more than just a lounge—it’s an operational masterpiece.
Certified with IS-BAH Stage 2, the facility offers a blend of luxury and security, complemented by bilingual personnel, streamlined processing, and ultra-modern infrastructure. The experience is discreet, seamless, and thoroughly professional—a reflection of the meticulous attention to detail that has become LAATS’ signature.
“Our FBO isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about predictability, precision, and comfort,” Juarez emphasizes. “It’s a space where time is respected, and every need is anticipated.”
Running an organization that offers a wide range of aviation services—such as load control, flight operations, cargo management, and security—is a formidable task. Yet, LAATS has excelled at integrating these services without compromising quality.
Juarez attributes this success to horizontal communication. While each department operates independently, they are unified by a common goal: operational excellence.
“It’s not just about hierarchy; it’s about synergy,” he notes. “When every manager shares the same vision, coordination becomes intuitive.”
This collaborative culture ensures that LAATS can consistently deliver high-touch service with high-volume efficiency—a rare combination in ground handling.
Even as it scales new operational heights, LAATS remains grounded in its commitment to sustainability. The company is proactively investing in electric Ground Support Equipment (GSE), which already comprises 20% of its fleet. The move is part of a broader environmental strategy that includes energy efficiency, responsible waste management, circular economy integration, and sustainability education.
Juarez is clear: “Sustainability is not a corporate checkbox. It’s a responsibility.”
LAATS collaborates closely with eco-conscious suppliers and aligns its policies with international sustainability benchmarks. In a region where green transitions are often stymied by economic or logistical barriers, LAATS is showing what’s possible when there’s resolve.
People are the heart of LAATS, and nowhere is this more evident than in its approach to training. At LAATS, training is a continuous process, carefully designed to evolve with industry requirements and individual development needs.
“Our workforce is our greatest asset,” says Juarez. “In 2025, we are doubling down on technical upskilling and soft skills development.”
The company ensures that all training programs remain aligned with ISAGO compliance requirements, involving regular audits, drills, and assessments. The result? A workforce that is not only skilled but agile, aware, and accountable.
LAATS is not one to rest on its laurels. In 2025, it is preparing to introduce a suite of new services and equipment upgrades. Notable among them is the acquisition of the JBT Ranger 15,000 lb loader—a first in Guatemala. The company is also upgrading its baggage tractors, GPUs, and other high-efficiency tools to stay ahead of operational demands.
Even more exciting is its exploration of expansion opportunities at Mundo Maya International Airport and in Panama. These strategic moves are aimed at enhancing LAATS’ regional footprint and reinforcing its position as Latin America’s most trusted aviation ground service provider.
“Expansion isn’t just about geography—it’s about raising standards wherever we go,” Juarez adds.
Juarez’s success with LAATS is part of a larger entrepreneurial journey. He is also the founder of Globocentro, Distribuidora Global, and Partycenter, ventures that have redefined segments like party supplies and seasonal product distribution in Guatemala. His career is a testament to interdisciplinary thinking—drawing lessons from one industry to innovate in another.
This breadth of experience gives him a unique edge in aviation: a deep understanding of systems, supply chains, and customer psychology—all critical elements in a business where split-second decisions define success.
In a region often grappling with infrastructural and regulatory hurdles, LAATS S.A. shines as a model of what aviation support services can—and should—look like. It is a company built on pillars of safety, precision, and vision, but most of all, on the belief that excellence must be pursued relentlessly.
As Latin America embraces economic growth and increased connectivity, aviation will continue to play a crucial role. And when it does, the continent will look to pioneers like LAATS—not just for services, but for leadership.
“Ground handling is not just a support function,” says Juarez. “It’s a critical part of the aviation experience. When we do our job well, flights depart on time, passengers feel safe, and airlines operate smoothly. That’s the power of what we do.”
With more than two decades of relentless innovation, award-winning standards, and regional impact, LAATS is not just a company—it’s an institution. And under Juarez’s watch, its best is yet to come.
