avianca ecuador
The Colombian Civil Aviation Authority (Aerocivil) has confirmed that Avianca, through its Ecuadorian subsidiary, has requested the addition of five new daily routes to Argentina. The new routes would expand operations to Buenos Aires while introducing connections to Córdoba, Mendoza, and Rosario, activating fifth freedom rights.
Strategic Use of Bilateral Agreements
This expansion has been made possible thanks to a revised bilateral agreement between Argentina and Ecuador, recently signed under President Milei’s administration. Unlike the agreement between Argentina and Colombia, which caps weekly flights at 35, the Ecuador-Argentina agreement has no frequency limits. Avianca bypasses these restrictions by operating flights through Ecuador, enabling a broader reach with its single-aisle Airbus A319, A320ceo, and A320neo fleet.
The proposed routes include up to seven weekly flights on each of the following connections:
- Quito and/or Guayaquil – Bogotá – Buenos Aires/Ezeiza
- Quito and/or Guayaquil – MedellÃn/Rionegro – Buenos Aires/Ezeiza
- Quito and/or Guayaquil – Bogotá – Córdoba
- Quito and/or Guayaquil – Bogotá – Mendoza
- Quito and/or Guayaquil – Bogotá – Rosario
Since 2011, the Colombia-Ecuador bilateral agreement has allowed unlimited frequencies, further supporting Avianca’s strategy.
Avianca’s Growing Footprint in Argentina
Over the past two years, Avianca has steadily increased its operations in Argentina. As of 2024, the airline transported 336,558 passengers, achieving an average load factor of 88%. According to Argentina’s National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC), Avianca ranks as the country’s tenth most important international carrier.
Current operations from Buenos Aires include:
- From Ezeiza (EZE):
- Bogotá: 17 weekly flights, reducing to 14 in December (A320neo and Boeing 787-8).
- Guayaquil: 4 weekly flights, increasing to 6 from December 19 (A320neo).
- MedellÃn: 7 weekly flights (A320neo).
- Quito: 4 weekly flights, increasing to 6 from December 16 (A320neo).
- San José de Costa Rica: 8 weekly flights, increasing to 12 in December via Quito and Guayaquil (A320neo).
- From Aeroparque (AEP):
Market Impact
Avianca’s use of Ecuador as a hub to access Argentina allows the airline to optimize its network while expanding its reach. This strategy also enhances connectivity between Argentina, Colombia, and Ecuador, meeting growing passenger demand in the region.
By combining regulatory flexibility and efficient fleet utilization, Avianca continues to solidify its position as a leading carrier in South America. The airline’s expansion underscores its commitment to connecting major cities across the continent, providing more options for passengers traveling between Argentina and its neighbors.
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