Avianca is one of the oldest airlines in the world, with a history that spans over a century. This iconic South American carrier now connects passengers to a wide range of destinations worldwide, operating flights from its home base in Colombia.
Ready for takeoff? Let’s depart into the world of this leading South American airline. In no particular order, here are 30 ultimate facts about Avianca, covering topics such as its history and current operations.
Table of Contents
Avianca overview
1. Avianca is the national flag carrier of Colombia
Avianca has served as the nation’s flag carrier for several decades.
Over the years, the airline has been instrumental in connecting Colombia to the rest of South America and beyond.
2. When was Avianca formed?
The airline officially launched its operations under the name Avianca in June 1940.
However, its origins date back to December 1919, with the establishment of Sociedad Colombo Alemana de Transportes Aéreos (SCADTA).
Avianca was formed following the merger of SCADTA and Servicio Aéreo Colombiano (SACO).
3. The airline’s main hub is in Colombia’s capital city
Avianca’s key hub is El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá.
In addition to its main base in the Colombian capital, the airline also has hubs at Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport in Cali, Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartegena, and José María Córdova International Airport in Medellín.
4. The airline is a member of Star Alliance
Avianca has been a member of the Star Alliance since June 2012.
Other members of the alliance include airlines such as ANA and Lufthansa.
5. Who owns Avianca?
Avianca is owned by the Avianca Group, formerly Avianca Holdings.
Notably, Avianca Group is registered in the United Kingdom, while its head office is based in Bogotá.
6. Avianca is Colombia’s largest airline
Avianca stands as Colombia’s largest airline due to its impressive fleet size, the extensive destinations it serves, and the significant number of passengers it carries annually.
Fleet and destinations
7. How many aircraft does Avianca have in its fleet?
According to Air Fleets, Avianca has 126 active aircraft in its fleet.
8. The airline has various types of aircraft in its fleet
Avianca has several aircraft types in its current fleet, including the Airbus A319-100, Airbus A320-200, Airbus A320 Neo, and Boeing 787-8.
Some of its former aircraft include the McDonnell MD-83 and Boeing 757-200.
9. Avianca has an extensive route network
Avianca serves destinations across Europe, North America, South America, and Central America.
Some of Avianca’s key destinations are Buenos Aires, Paris, and New York.
Travel classes and services
10. Avianca offers two classes of service on its flights
The airline offers Economy and Business Class tickets. Within its Economy class, passengers can choose between “Plus” and “Premium” seats for enhanced comfort and amenities.
The availability of these classes can depend on the destination and aircraft.
11. The airline provides numerous special services
Avianca provides a variety of services for its flights, including a “Pets on Board” program.
Lounges and onboard experience
12. Avianca has VIP lounges
Avianca offers a variety of lounges for passengers with premium tickets, those holding elite status with the airline or Star Alliance, and travelers who wish to purchase access.
For example, the airline has international lounges at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá and El Salvador International Airport Saint Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez in El Salvador.
Meanwhile, it has domestic lounges located at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, José María Córdova International Airport in Medellín, Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport in Cali, Palonegro International Airport in Bucaramanga, Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartegena, and Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport in Barranquilla.
13. Does Avianca provide WiFi on its flights?
According to Avianca’s official website, the airline does not currently offer WiFi on its flights.
14. The airline offers in-flight entertainment on its flights
On Avianca’s long-haul flights, passengers can enjoy a seatback entertainment system.
For short-haul flights, the airline offers “Avianca On Air,” allowing passengers to connect to dedicated WiFi for access to a variety of entertainment options.
15. Avianca serves complimentary onboard meals on a specific route
As of October 2024, Avianca only offers complimentary meals and drinks on flights to and from Europe.
Avianca’s frequent flyer program
16. The airline has a frequent flyer program
Avianca’s loyalty program is called LifeMiles.
LifeMiles was launched in 2011.
17. Avianca’s LifeMiles program offers various benefits
LifeMiles offers several benefits, including the ability to use earned points for flights and access to Avianca’s lounges.
Historical milestones and fun facts
18. Avianca introduced its first jet aircraft in the 1960s
In 1960, Avianca operated its first jet aircraft, the Boeing 707-120.
The Boeing 707-120 was first introduced in December 1957.
19. The airline provided services for the 1956 Olympic Games
Avianca flew the Colombia delegation to Melbourne, Australia, for the 1956 Olympic Games.
The journey to Australia lasted 61 hours, including refueling stops.
20. Avianca is one of the world’s oldest airlines
As of October 2024, Avianca is the second oldest airline in the world, behind KLM.
Just behind Avianca are Qantas and Aeroflot.
21. The airline has been involved in mergers
In 2010, Avianca merged with TACA Airlines, bolstering its strategic position in the region and improving its capacity for growth in the industry. TACA Airlines has been operating services from El Salvador since 1931.
In 2023, Avianca opted against merging with the now-defunct Viva Air.
22. Avianca made history following the Second World War
Following the Second World War, Avianca became the first airline to connect Colombia with Europe.
The first destinations were Paris and Lisbon.
23. The airline made more history with the Boeing 747
Avianca was the first airline in Latin America to operate the Boeing 747 jumbo jet, a milestone it achieved in 1976.
The Boeing 747 is commonly known as the “Queen of the Skies.”
24. Avianca filed for bankruptcy in 2020
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Avianca’s parent company, Avianca Holdings, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in a court in New York City.
In December 2021, Avianca emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Subsidiaries and partnerships
25. Does Avianca have any subsidiaries?
Yes. Avianca has one – Helicol S.A. Helicol, which was created in July 1955, offers helicopter service based at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá.
Meanwhile, the Avianca Group has several subsidiaries, including Avianca Costa Rica, Avianca Ecuador, Avianca El Salvador, Avianca Express, and Avianca Guatemala.
26. Avianca has numerous codeshare agreements
According to Avianca’s official website, the airline has codeshare agreements with a plethora of carriers, including Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and United Airlines. A codeshare agreement is a collaboration between two or more airlines that enables them to share flight services, including ticket sales and marketing efforts.
Meanwhile, Avianca has an interline agreement – a partnership between two or more airlines that allows them to cooperate in transporting passengers and cargo – with Boliviana de Aviación.
Awards, certifications, and safety
27. Avianca has an IATA code
Avianca’s IATA code is AV.
IATA – the International Air Transport Association – is the trade association for airlines around the globe. IATA plays a crucial role in supporting and promoting the global airline industry.
28. Skytrax has rated Avianca
Skytrax, the international air transport rating organization, has awarded Avianca a three-star airline rating.
This assessment is based on various factors, including Airport Services and Onboard Product.
29. Avianca is an award-winning carrier
Over the years, Avianca has won numerous awards.
For instance, the airline was recognized as the Most Punctual Global Airline in 2023 by the aviation data firm Cirium. Avianca recorded a punctuality rate of 85.73%.
30. What is Avianca’s safety record like?
Between 1980 and the early 1990s, Avianca experienced several incidents, the most tragic of which occurred in 1983 when one of its Boeing 747 aircraft crashed near Madrid.
Since then, the airline has upheld a strong safety record, with its last fatal incident occurring in January 1990, when a Boeing 707 ran out of fuel and crashed near New York’s JFK Airport while in a holding pattern.
This article was updated on October 16, 2024.
If you enjoyed reading this article about Avianca, feel free to share this article on social media. You can also follow us on X and Facebook.
