On its 100-year celebration: Avianca is recognized as the best airline in South America & one of the few 5-star airlines in the world
- Only 1 of 17 airlines in the world has reached the highest level with a 5-star recognition.
- As part of Avianca’s transformation plan, the opening of new routes to Porto Alegre in Brazil and Toronto in Canada have been announced.
Bogota, January 29, 2020. As part of the celebration of Avianca's 100 years, the company was recognized by APEX 2020 as 'the best airline in South America” thanks to almost 1.2 million travelers’ votes, and ‘a five-star airline’, a distinction that only 13 airlines in the world have.
In this regard, Anko van der Werff said: “this is the best recognition for the more than 21,000 employees who take care of every detail to offer the best experience to our customers. We are very grateful to our travelers, those who chose Avianca service as one of the best. Customer satisfaction is our most important objective, because our goal is always to make their trips a great experience and this recognition fills us with enthusiasm to respond to the expectations of our passengers”.
Using a five-star scale, more than one million flights were rated by passengers on almost 600 airlines around the world between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019. Passengers had the opportunity to provide anonymous ratings on five subcategories: seat comfort, cabin service, food and drink, entertainment and Wi-Fi.
The future of Avianca
Throughout 2020, the company will continue executing its transformation plan for the benefit of its employees, customers, partners and shareholders, focusing on four strategic pillars: Avianca people, financial sustainability, customer engagement and operational excellence.
Thus, efforts will remain focused on strengthening the financial position and advancing actions in favor of profitability and guaranteeing the next 100 years of the airline.
The company continues to work to be highly efficient and operate as customers expect – on time and with their luggage. For this reason, this year Avianca will continue working with key stakeholders of the aviation industry to consolidate the ‘golden triangle’. This means constant coordination for the benefit of its passengers together with contributing to the economic development of the regions where Avianca operates.
Strengthening the Bogota and San Salvador hubs, key to an efficient and profitable network
The airline adjusted its route network to the benefit of its passengers, offering them better options to connect with the world.
Accordingly, the decision to strengthen the Bogota hub so that it becomes the most important air-connection center in the region, is due to its favorable geographical location, availability of personnel and resources, as well as the company's confidence in the aviation industry development of the city and country.
In the same way, Avianca will continue to position San Salvador as the main operations center of Central America, ensuring its continued efficient connectivity with the north and south of the continent.
New destinations
The company implemented a new, robust route plan, focusing on three strategic points: increased flights from Bogota and some key cities, opening new routes, and reorganizing international connections.
Accordingly, the airline announced this year the start of new operations from Bogota to Porto Alegre in Brazil. Additionally, subject to government approval, Avianca expects to cover flights to Toronto, as well as another new destination in Europe and others in the Brazilian market.
New frequencies and increased capacity
Avianca constantly evaluates its route network to allocate capacity on the most profitable and best performing routes.
Therefore, from Lima it will double its operation to Miami with seven additional frequencies, adding up to a total of 14 weekly flights. From San Salvador, there will be one additional frequency each week to Los Angeles, resulting in a total of 28 weekly flights.
From Bogota, it will double its operation to Washington and Santo Domingo. For Brazil, there will be seven additional frequencies to Sao Paulo and five more frequencies to Rio de Janeiro.
Finally, for Aruba, travelers will have at their disposal three extra frequencies per week. In high season the company will have seven additional frequencies to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.
A traveler-tailored product
The roll-out of the ‘tailor-made flights' fare structure has received a positive reception in the domestic markets of Colombia and Ecuador. So, this year the airline expects to introduce it in our other markets, giving customers the opportunity of putting together a personalized trip according to their needs.
In addition, Avianca, aligned to the market demand, expects to increase its offer of seats in the Colombian domestic market, with the adjustment of its aircraft. Through this decision, the company will be able to increase its offer and the number of passengers transported within Colombia.
Anko van der Werff said: “With all these innovations and adjustments, from now we are preparing for the next 100 years of Avianca, a company that has demonstrated its resilience and got ahead in the most difficult moments of the industry and markets where we operate. There is no doubt that we will continue to connect the world with Latin American greatness”.
Media Contact
Sofia Valverde
Communications Avianca Holdings for North America