Avianca continues to explore expansion opportunities in Argentina, with a recent application filed with Colombia’s Civil Aeronautics Authority (Aerocivil). The airline again aims to increase its daily flights to Buenos Aires to three, introduce a new route from Medellin/Rionegro (MDE) and establish operations in Cordoba (COR), Argentina’s second most populous city.
Argentina has proven to be one of Avianca’s most promising markets, with impressive occupancy rates exceeding 90%. In particular, the airline has been using Boeing 787-8 aircraft for its flights to Bogota (BOG), making it one of the few destinations in the Americas served by these wide-body aircraft.
For travelers, Avianca has emerged as an alternative to Copa Airlines, which is also experiencing high occupancy rates, and LATAM, providing connections to the Caribbean, the United States and Central America.
Less than a year ago, Avianca expanded its network by adding two new destinations: Quito (UIO), Ecuador, and San José (SJO), Costa Rica, in response to growing demand in Argentina.
In keeping with its aggressive expansion strategy, Avianca has again applied to increase its presence by taking advantage of the void left by the demise of VIVA.
Avianca’s persistence to grow between Colombia and Argentina
In 2018, Avianca expressed interest in expanding its operations in Argentina following the expansion of bilateral agreements with Colombia after three decades without modifications.
According to the latest update of the 2018 bilateral agreement, each country can operate up to 42 weekly flights: 21 weekly flights between Bogota and Buenos Aires, 14 between any city in Colombia and Argentina (excluding capital cities), and the remaining 7 with fifth freedom of the air rights.
Avianca was able to secure 14 weekly flights between the capitals and Aerorepublica (Wingo/Copa Airlines), 7 additional weekly flights with fifth freedom rights (granted in 2018 and renewed in 2022). Both operations are currently in force.
However, 14 weekly frequencies were left open for Colombian airlines, which will allow the addition of a third daily flight to Buenos Aires or the introduction of new routes between Colombia and Argentina.
See also: Avianca again asks for flights to Argentina and goes for Aeroparque
In 2021 and 2022 it stated that it wanted to add Córdoba and Buenos Aires/Aeroparque to its network from Medellín and/or Cali, and potentially offer three daily flights to the Argentine capital.
However, on both occasions, the now defunct VIVA entered the market with applications for the same routes. The aeronautical authority approved the Colombian low-cost airline’s applications to introduce more competition on the Argentina-Colombia routes.
VIVA began operations on June 15, 2022, but due to internal financial difficulties and the failed attempt to purchase Avianca, it ceased operations in February 2023, leaving opportunities for other airlines to reclaim its frequencies.
Will the third application be the last one?
Consequently, according to the document filed on October 11, Avianca re-applied for expansion in Argentina, proposing the following concept:
- Medellín/Rionegro (MDE) to Córdoba and/or Buenos Aires/Ezeiza (EZE) and return; with up to 7 weekly flights on Airbus A320ceo, A320neo and/or Boeing 787-8 aircraft.
- Bogotá (BOG) to Córdoba and/or Buenos Aires/Ezeiza (EZE); with up to 7 weekly flights in Airbus A320ceo, A320neo and/or Boeing 787-8 aircraft.
Should Aerocivil approve the application, Avianca will have the option to operate up to four new routes between Argentina and Colombia:
- Bogotá-Córdoba-Bogota (new route).
- Bogota-Buenos Aires-Bogota (third daily frequency).
- Medellín-Córdoba-Medellín (new route).
- Medellín-Buenos Aires-Medellín (new route, replacing VIVA).
On October 25, 2023, public hearings will be held in Colombia, where GOL also requested permission to enter the growing Bogota-Buenos Aires/Ezeiza market with fifth freedom rights.
Current events between Argentina and Colombia
Following the demise of VIVA in February 2023, Argentina and Colombia are back to having only two airlines connecting them.
Wingo is not explicitly mentioned here, as it operates under a fourth daily frequency of Copa Airlines. This flight originates in Medellín/Rionegro, includes a brief stopover in Panama/Tocumen and continues to Buenos Aires.
In summary, Avianca operates two daily flights between Bogota and Buenos Aires/Ezeiza (EZE) using Boeing 787-8 aircraft with capacity for 250 passengers. In contrast, Aerolineas Argentinas flies daily between Buenos Aires/Aeroparque (AEP) and Bogota using Boeing 737-700 aircraft with a capacity of 128 passengers.
In 2022, the Colombian airline’s CEO, Adrián Neuhauser, clarified that the company had no plans to request authorization to operate from Aeroparque. Neuhauser explained that the combination of high seat demand required the company to maximize its flight-to-seat ratio with wide-body aircraft.
According to ANAC Argentina, between January and September 2023, the following passenger figures were recorded between the two capitals:
- Bogota-Ezeiza; 241,244 passengers with an occupancy factor of 91%.
- Bogota-Aeroparque; 59,279 passengers with an occupancy factor of 84%.
- Medellín-Ezeiza; 12,903 passengers with an occupancy factor of 71% (operated by VIVA).
