Avianca has partially accepted the conditions imposed by Aerocivil to integrate with Viva Air, but the airline has presented an appeal. Avianca’s request is to “give greater viability to the integration requested” and “clarify the relevant aspects related to the conditions set out in the most recent resolution issued by the air transport authority.”
According to Avianca, they need to have access to Viva Air’s capacity in terms of aircraft to “address the necessary connectivity of the country, as well as to solve the situation of low-cost airline users.” The airline believes that the conditions imposed by Aerocivil need to be “viable and applicable in light of the current reality of the country’s air market.”
Avianca’s CEO, Adrian Neuhauser, stated that the appeal seeks to “guarantee the minimum conditions to operate what remains of Viva and thus preserve connectivity in the country and the offer to passengers.”
“From day one, we have proposed solutions and protected hundreds of thousands of affected users. We firmly reject the insistence of some competitors in putting obstacles in the process with the sole aim of making what remains of Viva disappear,” he added.
For Avianca, Quick Resolution is Key
Avianca has called for “quick solutions that safeguard what is left of Viva’s low-cost model in the country and guarantee competitive prices for Colombians,” according to a statement by the airline.
The integration process, which was initiated eight months ago, has taken a long time, during which the low-cost airline has faced increasing financial difficulties. Avianca has requested that “quick solutions be activated to stabilize the system and prevent further damage from the loss of planes, routes, or jobs that still depend on the Viva Air airline.”
In accepting the imposed conditions, Avianca would be willing to “protect passengers affected by the temporary cessation of Viva’s operations, including those who had purchased ‘Viva Pass’ tickets with the low-cost airline.”
The airline also proposes that “the operation of Viva at peak hours be focused on regions that require extensive connectivity such as San Andres, Leticia, Santa Marta, and Riohacha.”
Avianca has reaccommodated over 100,000 users of Viva and Ultra, corresponding to 86% of the total number of passengers affected by both airlines, according to the statement.
“It is essential to seek quick solutions that allow us to safeguard what is left of Viva’s airline to maintain the low-cost model in the country and guarantee competitive prices for Colombians,” the airline’s statement concludes.
