AviancaTaca Holding (Avianca and TACA) (Bogota and San Salvador) has announced its financial results for 2012 and the first quarter of 2013 and issued this statement:

AviancaTaca Holding and its subsidiaries reported an increase of 12.9% in passenger numbers compared to 2011.

During 2012, AviancaTaca Holding S.A. recorded net profit of COP$351,684 million ($190.9 million), up 73.9% compared to 2011.

In 2012 AviancaTaca Holding S.A. continued work on expanding its network of routes and creating new air services for travelers flying to and from the Americas and Europe.

According to AviancaTaca’s CEO, Fabio Villegas: “Following the integration of Avianca and TACA operations the Company has launched 46 new routes, and over the last year has emphasized connectivity between high demand points in the local markets of Colombia, Peru and Central America, and throughout the Americas and the Caribbean. This expansion process is taking place in parallel with the renewal of the aircraft fleet and the development of an intensive campaign to further improve the internal service culture.”.

As a result of the increase in seat capacity, flight services to key destinations and also an improvement in service standards, AviancaTaca Holding and its subsidiaries transported 23.1million passengers in 2012, an increase of 12.9% compared to 2011.

Between January and December 2012 the number of travelers transported in markets within Colombia, Peru and Ecuador was 13,255,502, up 18.5% compared to 2011. The number of passengers transported by the Company on international routes was 9,837,031, an increase of 6.1% compared to 2011.

Financial Results

Between January and December 2012, Avianca, TACA and subsidiaries recorded an operating income of $4,254 million (USD), up 11.2% from 2011. Operating profit for the year was $282 million (USD).

The EBITDAR (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and aircraft leasing payments) for 2012 was USD$737.5 million and net profit totaled $195.6 million (USD).

Consistent with an increase of 10.3% in ASK capacity (seats available per kilometer flown), passenger traffic in RPK (passenger revenue per kilometer flown) increased by 10.3%. The average Load Factor was 79.6%.

In the first quarter of 2013, the Company reported net income of $75.3 million (USD).

Strategic projects

During 2012 the Company incorporated 14 new jet aircraft: two Airbus A330s, four Airbus A319, seven Airbus A320 and one Airbus A330F exclusively for cargo. It also announced the firm order for 15 ATR 72-600 aircraft and rights to purchase 15 more, which will be assigned to cover regional routes within Colombia and short and medium-haul markets in Central America.

In other news, TACA is eliminating routes from San Jose, Costa Rica and laying off 261 employees. The airline issued this statement:

Starting May 17, the Airline adjusts operations to and from San Jose, Costa Rica, in order to meet market needs

The airline will keep direct flights between San Jose and Caracas, Mexico, Miami, Guatemala, Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, Managua, and Panama, as well as the connecting flights to hubs in El Salvador, Bogota, and Lima

All travelers with a reservation in flights from San Jose to Caracas, Mexico, Miami, Guatemala, Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, Managua and Panama, as well as to our hubs in El Salvador, Bogota and Lima, will keep their itinerary as scheduled.

Flights canceled as of May 17, 2013:

Flights canceled as of June 16, 2013:

TACA was founded in 1931 and boasts more than 80 years of history. It links the Americas together through its four Hubs (Colombia, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Peru), and its extensive route network from Canada to Brazil, flying to 50 destinations in 22 countries. Its fleet consists of Airbus A319, A320 and A321 aircraft and new Embraer 190 aircraft. In addition, its regional operations service 39 destinations in Central American countries with a fleet of ATR 42, Short SD3-60, Twin Otter and Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft.

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. The TACA name and brand will be retired at the end of May ending a long history. TACA’s Airbus A320-233 N682TA (msn 3581) arrives at Miami painted in the last (2008) livery for the company. All TACA aircraft will be repainted into the red and white Avianca brand and operate under the Avianca name. Goodbye TACA.

Avianca (Colombia): 

TACA: 

Avianca (Colombia) Airbus A320-214 WL F-WWBE (N632AV) (msn 5632) (Sharklets) (partial new livery) TLS (Eurospot). Image: 912194.

Copyright Photo: Eurospot.

Hot New Photos: 

Avianca (Colombia): 

Avianca Holdings S.A, (Avianca and TACA) reported net income of $75.3 million in the first quarter of 2013. The company issued this statement:

First Quarter 2013 Highlights

• Avianca Holdings earns net income of $75.3 million (USD) for 1Q 2013, an increase of more than $75 million over the profit recorded for the same period in 2012.
• First quarter operating revenues increased to USD$ 1.11 billion, up 5.9% from 1Q 2012 due mainly to a 6.5% increase in passenger revenues driven by an 8.6% growth in passenger traffic over 1Q 2012 figures. Cargo and other revenue increased by 2.5%, primarily as a result of an increase in our Freight and Loyalty revenues.
• Operating Cost per available seat kilometer (CASK) decreased by 1.5% from 10.98 cents in 1Q-12 to 10.81 cents in 1Q-13 and CASK excluding Fuel decreased by 1.8% from 7.31 cents in 1Q-12 to 7.17 cents in 1Q-13.
• Operating Income (EBIT) increased to USD$ 108.1 million, a 31.1% increase from USD$ 82.4 million in 1Q-12. Excluding special items in 1Q-12 operating income increased by 48.5%. Operating Margin for 1Q-13 rose to 9.7% compared to 7.8% in 1Q-12, primarily as a result of lower unit costs.
• Capacity, measured in ASK’s (available seat kilometers), increased by 5.4% during 1Q 2013, mostly due to expansion in our domestic operations in Colombia and Peru. In addition, passenger traffic, measured in RPK’s (revenue passenger kilometers) grew 7.8%, reaching a consolidated Load Factor of 80.8%, surpassing 1Q-12 Load Factor by 2.3 percentage points.
• In Line with the fleet renewal program, the company continues to incorporate new aircraft. During the first quarter, one (1) Airbus A330 Freighter, one (1) Airbus A330 and two (2) Airbus A320 passenger aircraft (one of which is equipped with sharklets) were incorporated.
• During the first quarter the Company inaugurated its new VIP lounge in Terminal Eldorado International Airport in Bogotá. Lifemiles members can now enjoy over 2,000 square meters of services and innovations in different environments. The lounge has capacity to simultaneously serve nearly 670 travelers, 505 Gold Elite and 165 Diamond Elite members.

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Avianca’s (Colombia) Airbus A320-214 N664AV (msn 3664) arrives at Miami International Airport.

Avianca (Colombia): 

TACA: 

Avianca Holdings S.A. (Avianca) (Bogota) today (May 28) as planned, formally retired the TACA brand and the previous AviancaTaca Holding company. All aircraft will be repainted in the new Avianca brand. Avianca is updating its logo, livery and product as we previously reported. This announcement will end the history of TACA and AviancaTaca Holding. Our slide show below recalls the aircraft and many liveries of TACA International. The holding company issued this statement:

As announced in late 2012 and after three years of intense work aimed at integration and reorganization of operations and processes, ground and air equipment modernization, and the adoption of industry best practices, the airlines in Avianca Holdings S.A. (formerly known as AviancaTaca Holding S.A.) begin a new stage in their business development under the commercial brand Avianca, with its new visual standards.

Honoring the business development reached by Avianca and TACA Airlines with 94 and 82 years of uninterrupted operations, respectively, the new identity bonds the heritage of the route network, envisioning connecting the continent through all cardinal points, capturing in the logo the service provided through the skies of the Americas.

The image of the “new Avianca” will be displayed in over 160 airplanes, 14 thousand seats onboard, 214 ticket offices, 100 airports, VIP lounges in 25 countries, as well as the corporate buildings in the Americas and Europe. This new image will also dress over 13,000 employees with client service positions -out of the 18,000 total-, and identify our new integrated website, social networks, onboard reading materials, and corporate communications media in general.

This new image highlights a very important chapter in the airline´s history, striving to provide a strong product and service offer in order to become the ideal partner for business and leisure travelers.

Fabio Villegas, Avianca Holdings CEO said: “The single commercial brand represents a very important milestone for an improved flight offer and an interesting challenge to Avianca’s service capacity. For that reason, the airlines’ background and the professionalism and experience shared by the many generations of men and women who have contributed with their work to Avianca, TACA Airlines, Aerogal, and Tampa Cargo, have become our inspiration.”

“More than 5.100 weekly flights operated on a modern fleet enable us to help our travelers reach 100 destinations in 25 countries throughout the Americas and Europe, provide access to 21.900 daily flights served around the world by Star Alliance member airlines, be preferred by more than 23 million passengers who choose our services yearly for their travel plans and the transportation of 300 thousand tons of goods. This motivates us to assure the “new Avianca”, as the leading airline in Latin America preferred by the world´s travelers,” quoted the executive.

Three years of achievements

Fleet. The combined fleet size between Avianca and TACA Airlines at the moment of their integration was 129 aircraft. Currently the company has 151 aircraft in operation. Within its fleet modernization plan, Avianca recently announced the incorporation of Airbus A320neo airplanes equipped with new generation engines, as well as aircraft fitted with sharklets, which provide a 4% better fuel economy than previous models. Avianca welcomed the first aircraft of this type to its fleet in February.

Tampa Cargo acquired four new A330-200 freighters with cargo capacity of 68 tons in order to strengthen the cargo business. The first aircraft of its type joined the fleet in December of last year.

The company also announced the standing offer to purchase 15 ATR 72-600 aircraft, along with the option to purchase an additional 15 of the same model. This turboprop fleet is intended to serve routes within Colombia and Central America and will join the fleet beginning July this year. Finally, the company has confirmed the purchase order for 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, to operate transatlantic routes starting in 2014.

Route Network. Currently, the “new Avianca” covers 100 destinations in 25 countries in the Americas and Europe, through 5,100 weekly flights. The domestic and international connections operate from and to Bogota (Colombia), with more than 2,656 weekly flights, San Salvador (El Salvador), with 532 weekly flights, and Lima (Peru) with 483 frequencies per week. Also connections to and from other Latin American capitals are part of this comprehensive route network.

In addition to its own network, travelers connecting through Avianca are able to reach more than 1,320 cities around the world thanks to code-share and interline agreements with world renowned airlines, granting access to 990 VIP lounges and enjoying multiple benefits provided by the Star Alliance network around the world.

Transported Passengers. As a result of the synergies of the route network, the airlines in Avianca Holdings S.A. have experimented passenger growth. A comparison between 2010 and 2012 reflects an increase of 31.88%. In 2010, the airlines transported 17´510.881 passengers, reaching 20´454.924 in 2011, while in 2012 the number increased to 23´092.533 passengers.

Joining Star Alliance. Avianca and TACA Airlines officially joined Star Alliance on June 21, 2012, which is the largest global airline network in terms of daily flights, coverage, and services. As a result travel advantages and options for our travelers multiplied. In order to be accepted as member airline of the alliance, multiple requirements had to be fulfilled along with several service and operational standards. The “new Avianca” maintains these standards and complies with the periodical audits required.

Avianca Cargo. In 2010 the Cargo businesses of Avianca, TACA, and Aerogal were integrated to Tampa Cargo, building on more than 100 years of experience in the field. After centralizing management, operations, and service the cargo offer underwent a strengthening process. As part of this process the airline announced the acquisition of 4 A330-200 freighters with 68 ton capacity and became the first airline to operate this model in Latin America.

With the expansion of capacity through dedicated aircraft, as well as the bellies of the passenger fleet, the route network was also broadened to meet importer and exporter needs in Latin America, accompanied by the implementation of new integrated technologies for all the business. Today, under the name “Avianca Cargo” this business unit focuses on delivering increased connectivity and services through advanced technology and a highly specialized human team.

Technology. Avianca continues moving forward in the implementation of the latest technology in order to better serve its passengers. In addition to online tools for checking fares, booking reservations, purchasing tickets and seat selections, the airline has been implementing self-check-in modules in 36 of the airports where it currently operates. Travelers can also make use of the web check-in feature for routes in the Americas, allowing them to check-in from the comfort of their home or office.

Passengers may also check-in using their smartphones. This service is initially available for domestic flights in Colombia and Peru, and direct international flights, except Europe, from El Salvador and Medellin and from Bogota to South America, improving check point and boarding times by showing the boarding pass on their smartphones.

VIP Lounges. This past February, Avianca opened its new 2,000 square meter VIP Lounge located in the international terminal of Eldorado Airport in Bogota, aimed at the members of its frequent flyer program, LifeMiles, and business class travelers. In meeting its service improvement plan, the airline will also refresh the VIP lounges in Cali, Barranquilla, Medellin, Cartagena, and San Salvador.

LifeMiles. It was the first joint business deliverable. The unified loyalty program was the result of integrating best practices of both Avianca and TACA, and improving them based on studies on the leading loyalty programs from top airlines around the world. LifeMiles has more than five million members and was recognized by travelers with a Freddie Award in the category of Best Redemption Ability, making it the only loyalty program in Latin America to receive a Freddy Award during the 2013 edition.

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. All others by Avianca. A look back at one of the first jets for TACA International. BAC 1-11 407AW YS-17C (msn 093) taxies to the runway at Miami on October 19, 1980.

Avianca: 

TACA: 

Avianca (Bogota) is planning to deploy its Airbus A330-200s on the daily Lima-Miami route starting on July 15 per Airline Route.

Top Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A330-243 N948AC (msn 948) taxies to the runway at Miami International Airport dressed in the now old 2005 livery (please click on the photo for the full-size view).

Avianca: 

Bottom Copyright Photos: Avianca. The new look for AV. Airbus A320-214 N538AV (msn 5398) is one of the first aircraft to display the new look.

Video:

Avianca (Bogota) took delivery yesterday (June 18) of the first of 15 ATR 72-600s that it commissioned in late 2012, with the signing of a contract which also included options for 15 more aircraft and which was valued at over $700 million.

The aircraft was delivered at the Paris Air Show is configured with 68 seats and is equipped with the new ‘Armonia’ cabin, a major development of the ATR ‘-600′ series, ensuring optimal passenger comfort. With the delivery of this aircraft, Avianca begins an ambitious process of developing and modernizing its regional network in Colombia and Central America.

Avianca will gradually replace the Fokker 50s and ATR 42s currently in service. The first ATR 72-600 will serve destinations including Barrancabermeja, Florencia, Manizales, Neiva, Pasto, Popayán, Tumaco and Yopal in Colombia. Later, other ATR 72-600s will be used to connect Guatemala City and Flores (Guatemala), Tegucigalpa, Roatán and San Pedro Sula (Honduras), San Salvador (El Salvador), Managua (Nicaragua) as well as San José and Liberia (Costa Rica).

Alongside with the introduction of the ATR 72-600s, ATR and Avianca are preparing to jointly set up the first ATR-approved pilot training center in South America, which will open in the coming months at Avianca facilities in Bogota, Colombia.

The first ATR 72-600 is really officially an ATR 72-212A still with the test registration of F-WWEE (msn 1092). The props are multi-colored.

Avianca: 

Avianca Colombia (Bogota) has cancelled 160 domestic flight through next Wednesday because its pilots are refusing to work overtime due to a pay dispute according to Reuters.

Avianca’s 1,000 pilots are demanding a 15 percent pay increase from the company. Avianca Colombia is a part of Avianca Holdings. TACA’s pilots and other pilots under the Avianca brand are not involved in the dispute.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Aldo Ciarini. Avianca added its first ATR 72 on July 3, 2013 when the pictured ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-600) F-WWEE was handed over as HK-4954 (msn 1092). The new type is pictured landing at Toulouse before the delivery.

Avianca (Colombia): 

Avianca Holdings S.A. (Avianca) (Bogota) for the third quarter of 2013 reported a consolidated adjusted net income of $99.1 million (all amounts in US dollars) excluding FX effects related to liabilities denominated in Colombian Pesos and on the gain on sale of assets. This represents an increase of 151.3% over the same period in 2012. Avianca´s adjusted net profit margin increased by 450 basis points reaching 8.5%. Including the aforementioned effects on net income, Avianca Holdings S.A. and its subsidiaries generated a net income of $39.9 million.

Operating revenue came in at $1.182 million, representing an increase of 9.6% over the same period of 2012. Said increase is the result of a rise of 9.4% in passenger income resulting from a growth of 3.5% in carried passengers. Cargo and other revenues grew by 10.9%. This increase is mainly driven by the cargo and loyalty program business unit.

Revenue per Seat Kilometer (RASK) grew 3.6% whereas the Cost per Available Seat Kilometer (CASK) in 3Q 2013, grew from USD$10.3 cents to USD$10.4 cents, an increase of 1,5% with respect to the same period in 2013.

EBITDAR (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortization and aircraft rentals) increased 23.1% with respect to 3Q 2012. The EBITDAR margin reached 20.1%.

Operating income (EBIT) for 3Q 2013 rose to $132.2 million, a 32.2% increase with respect to the $100.0 million reached in the same period in 2012. The operating margin in 3Q 2013 came in at 11.2%, increasing by 1.9pp with respect to 3Q 2012. Said rise was generated by an increase in operating revenue as well as by cost control measures.

Capacity, measured in ASKs (Available Seats per Kilometer) grew by 5.87% throughout 3Q 2013. This growth is driven by the expansion of Avianca’s operations in its core markets, the incorporation of larger aircraft as well as an improvement in operating cycles of 1.1%. Traffic measured in RPKs (Revenue Passenger Kilometer) grew 5.9%, resulting in a Load Factor of 82.0% representing an increase of 20 basis points with respect to the Load Factor of 3Q 2012.

In accordance with the fleet renovation and modernization plan, between July and September 2013, the company through its subsidiary Avianca S.A., took delivery of one Airbus A320 aircraft equipped with Sharklets (see above), one ATR 72-600 and one A330-200 freighter. As a result, Avianca Holdings S.A. subsidiaries ended the quarter with a consolidated operating fleet of 154 aircraft.

With these third quarter results, Avianca Holdings S.A. reports a consolidated net income for the last 9 months of $183.4 million, reaching accumulated net margin of 5.4% year to date.

During the remainder of 2013, the company expects to continue with a capacity expansion in its key markets, as a result the company forecasts ASK growth between 7% and 8% for the full year 2013 compared to 2012. In terms of passenger traffic, the company expects a sustained growth during the remainder of 2013. Passenger numbers are expected to increase between 9% and 10% for the full year 2013 and as a result the load factor should stand between 79% and 80%.

Avianca Holdings S.A. is an investment firm that serves as an instrument for the execution of the shareholders agreement which resulted in the integration process known as AviancaTaca and acts as the controlling company for the integrated operation of various airlines that operate both domestically and internationally: Aerovías del Continente Americano S.A. Avianca (Avianca), Tampa Cargo S.A. incorporated in Colombia, Aerolíneas Galápagos S.A. Aerogal incorporated in Ecuador, and the companies that make up the TACA Group: TACA Internacional Airlines S.A., incorporated in El Salvador; Líneas Aéreas Costarricenses S.A., LACSA, incorporated in Costa Rica, Trans American Airlines S.A. TACA Peru incorporated in Peru, Servicios Aéreos Nacionales S.A., SANSA incorporated in Costa Rica, Aerotaxis La Costeña S.A., incoporated in Nicaragua and Isleña de Inversiones C.A. de C.V. ISLEÑA incorporated in Honduras.

Copyright Photo: Gerd Beilfuss/AirlinersGallery.com. The pictured Airbus A320-233 D-AXAS (msn 5840) was handed over to Avianca (Colombia) as N603AV on November 5.

Avianca (Colombia): 

Avianca Brazil (OceanAir Linhas Aereas dba) (Sao Paulo) has been invited to join the Star Alliance as part of Avianca (Bogota) membership. On December 13, the Chief Executive Board of Star Alliance agreed to extend Avianca’s membership of the Alliance to include its partner Avianca Brazil. The unanimous decision marks the first step in Star Alliance’s strategy to secure its position in the Brazilian market following current member airline TAM’s decision to leave the Alliance as a consequence of its merger with LAN.

As a first step in the integration process, experts from Avianca Brazil, the Star Alliance member carriers serving Brazil and Star Alliance management will jointly work on enhancing Avianca Brazil’s network. The aim is to facilitate seamless connections via the major hubs in São Paulo – Guarulhos and Rio de Janeiro – Galeão/Antônio Carlos Jobim.

Avianca Brazil is expected to join the alliance in 2014.

Top Copyright Photo: Rodrigo Cozzato/AirlinersGallery.com. Avianca Brazil’s Airbus A318-121 PR-ONG (msn 3438) departs from Sao Paulo (Guarulhos). Bottom Copyright Photo: Avianca Brazil.

Avianca (Brazil):

Avianca’s (Bogota) owner, German Efromovich, is considering making a deal to acquire a share of struggling Alitalia (2nd) (Rome) or state-owned LOT Polish Airlines (Warsaw). Any acquisition would be completed as an individual, not through Avianca which has expressed it does not have any interest in either airline.

Read the full story from Reuters: CLICK HERE

Avianca (Colombia) (Bogota) has announced it will resume regular service between Bogota and London (Heathrow) in July. Airbus A330s (above) are expected to be operated on the restored route.

In other news, the company has also announced its has temporarily grounded its remaining Fokker 50s. The company issued this statement:

Avianca (Colombia) (Bogota) will launch a new route from Cartagena nonstop to New York (JFK) on July 17. The new route will be operated three days a week with Airbus A319s per Airline Route.

Copyright Photo: Paul Bannwarth/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A3219-132 N690AV (msn 5944) with Sharklets departs from Tenerife (Sur) on its delivery flight.

Avianca (Colombia): 

Avianca (Brazil) (Oceanair Linhas Aereas dba) (Sao Paulo) is increasing its partnering efforts to produce aviation biofuels in Brazil in association with Byogy Renewables. The two companies issued this statement:

Continuing its commitment to deliver price competitive, 100% replacement biofuels, Byogy Renewables and airline partner Avianca Brasil have launched a significant initiative to support advanced testing to accelerate the Byogy ATJ ASTM approval.

Unlike the confusing term drop-in fuel, which is defined as the final mixture of hydrocarbon additive products with jet fuel produced from oil, Byogy’s proprietary ATJ process produces one of the world’s first full replacement fuel that does not require blending, and also demonstrates performance characteristics better than jet fuel produced from oil. Byogy’s jet fuel is not an additive, but instead, a full replacement standalone fuel, and hence can be used at any blend ratio up to 100%.

“Our goal with our partner Avianca is to first, support the approval of the ATJ suite of process technologies in accordance with current regulations that limit blending to 50%, and then, after gaining appropriate experience testing data, work with the ASTM stakeholders to study the potential use of higher blend ratios that will in turn drive the highest level of carbon reduction possible of any renewable fuel,” said Kevin Weiss, CEO of Byogy.

The initiative will also study to validate the significant beneficial environmental impact achieved using Byogy’s ATJ to satisfy the proposed ICAO 2050 Neutral Carbon Growth mandate for the country of Brazil by leveraging the existing, and abundant sugar cane feedstock, as opposed to waiting for years before other agriculture feedstock industries are proven cost effective.

“Avianca is fully committed to supporting the Byogy ATJ fuel approval process and believes it is the best solution for Avianca to achieve carbon neutrality for its operations in Brazil,” said Captain Norberto Raniero, Vice President of Operations at Avianca.

“We believe that the increase in aviation demand will show that the only way to achieve the carbon reduction mandate, set out by the ICAO, is to use high blend ratios of renewable aviation fuel,” said Weiss. “This is probably the most significant initiative in the aviation industry as it demonstrates the evolution to a full replacement, high quality renewable aviation fuel.”

By leveraging the existing global feedstock of ethanol, Byogy is not limited to its own ability to produce alcohol and hence is not subject to the scale up risks associated with novel biological organisms. Instead, Byogy’s proven petrochemical process will capitalize on the global efforts that are currently driving the production cost of ethanol down. As Weiss states, “at some point, we will wake up from this ethanol hangover and realize that it is more important to use alcohols to produce full replacement renewable aviation fuels than it is to push higher blends of alcohols into infrastructure that cannot support it.”

Once approved by ASTM, it is anticipated that the Byogy ATJ bio-jet fuel will deliver to operators the multiple benefits including, lower fuel consumption, lower engine maintenance cost, and a significant beneficial environmental impact.

Copyright Photo: Marcelo F. De Biasi/AirlinersGallery.com. The pictured new Airbus A318-121 PR-AVK (msn 3062) prepares to depart from the tropical destination of Salvador in northern Brazil.

Avianca (Brazil): 

Avianca Holdings S.A. (Avianca) (Bogota) reported operating income (EBIT) of $70.3 million for the third quarter (3Q).

As a result the operating margin for 3Q 2014 reached 5.7%, an increase of 130 basis points over the 2Q of 2014. The operating income (EBIT) for the nine-month period of 2014 was $170.1 million; as a result, the operating margin for the first nine months of 2014 was 4.9%.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Avianca’s (Colombia) Airbus A320-233 N603AV (msn 5840) with Sharklets arrives in Los Angeles.

Avianca aircraft slide show: 

Avianca (Colombia) (Bogota) and Boeing (Chicago, Seattle and Charleston) celebrated the delivery of the first 787 Dreamliner for the Latin American carrier. The pictured Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner N780AV (msn 37502) was handed over to the carrier today (December 18).

Avianca’s Boeing 787-8 will carry 28 passengers in business class and 222 in economy class. Passengers in both classes will also experience cabin environment improvements made possible on the 787 such as dynamic LED lighting, the largest windows, bigger overhead bins, a lower cabin altitude, a more humid environment, low interior noise, cleaner air and a smoother ride.

With 95 years in operation, Avianca is working to fly a younger fleet than ever, flying with leading-edge technology to 24 destinations in Colombia and 98 destinations in South America, North America and Europe.

To date, 58 customers have ordered 1,055 787s, making the Dreamliner the fastest-selling twin-aisle airplane in Boeing history.

Copyright Photo: Steve Bailey/AirlinersGallery.com. N780AV lands at Paine Field after a test flight.

Avianca aircraft slide show:

Video: A test flight at Paine Field near Everett:

Avianca (Colombia) (Bogota) is planning to introduce the new Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on the Bogota – New York (JFK) route on January 16. Per Airline Route, the carrier is also planning to introduce the new type to Buenos Aires (February 1), Sao Paulo (Guarulhos) (February 10), Santiago (February 13), Mexico City (February 17), London (Heathrow) (July 2) and Madrid (October 25). Some of the routes using the aircraft will be seasonal until all 787s are delivered.

Top Copyright Photo: Steve Bailey/AirlinersGallery.com (all others by Avianca). The pictured Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner N780AV (msn 37502) was delivered on December 17, 2014. Avianca is celebrating 95 years of flying.

Avianca aircraft slide show:

Avianca Holdings S.A. (Avianca) (Bogota) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for 100 A320neo Family aircraft. Avianca will base its fleet renewal strategy on the A320neo Family.

Avianca has partnered with Airbus on its fleet modernization and expansion programs for years. In 2012, Avianca ordered 51 A320 Family aircraft, including 33 A320neo aircraft. The airline group has combined orders for nearly 200 Airbus aircraft, with nearly 130 currently in operation.

Firm orders for the NEO reached over 3,600 aircraft from 70 customers.

To date, the A320neo program has 245 firm orders from seven customers in Latin America — Avianca, Azul, Interjet, LAN, TAM, VivaAerobus and Volaris. With more than 850 aircraft sold and a backlog of nearly 400, more than 550 Airbus aircraft are in operation throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

Image:

Avianca (Colombia) aircraft slide show:

Avianca (Colombia) (Bogota) landed for the first time in Guarulhos Airport in Sao Paulo on February 11 at 6:50 am. Coming from Bogota, Colombia, the aircraft is one of two that will make four daily flights between the two cities.

Avianca recently received four Boeing 787s, a total of 15 to be delivered over the next three years. The four new aircraft will serve routes that include, in addition to São Paulo and Bogota, Buenos Aires, New York, Santiago (Chile), Mexico, and, from June, Madrid, Barcelona and London (Heathrow).

Copyright Photo: Steve Bailey/AirlinersGallery.com. N780AV (msn 37502) was delivered on December 17, 2014.

Avianca aircraft slide show: 

Avianca (Colombia) (Bogota) is planning to resume Bogota – Los Angeles service on July 1. The restored route will operate four days a week with Airbus A330-200 aircraft per Airline Route.

Copyright Photo: Airbus A330-243 N342AV (msn 1342) in the Star Alliance livery sits between flights at London (Heathrow).

Avianca (Colombia) aircraft slide show: 

United Airlines (Chicago) is now considering the new Airbus A321LR (Longer Range) as a thin route replacement aircraft to its large and aging Boeing 757 fleet according to Reuters.

Boeing is now finally agreeing to look at this noticeable gap in its line-up between the Boeing 737-900ER and the 787-8 Dreamliner. Boeing stated on Monday is was discussing studies of a model slightly larger than the 757 with greater range.

United has also said it will look at what Boeing comes up with but it could be too late as Airbus is making inroads in this niche airplane market.

Avianca is also considering the Boeing 787-9 according to the article.

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Copyright Photo: Fred Freketic/AirlinersGallery.com. United is a large Boeing 757 operator (second to Delta) and also, because of the merger between United and Continental, is a large Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 operator. The 757-200 (especially with the pictured Aviation Partners Boeing Blended Winglets) is ideal for the summer trans-Atlantic long and thin European markets. Boeing 757-222 N568UA (msn 26674) is seen at JFK International Airport in New York.

United Airlines aircraft slide show (current livery):