Avianca Sees Surge in Domestic Flyers, Expands Colombian Network
Avianca CEO Frederico Pedreira recently announced significant growth in Colombia’s domestic airline market, with expectations to carry 19.3 million passengers in 2024. This forecast represents a 20% increase from the previous year and a 32% rise compared to 2019. The surge in air travel within Colombia is attributed to a growing number of Colombians choosing air travel, reflecting broader economic optimism and the airline’s successful market strategies.
The increase in domestic flyers is part of a broader trend observed by Avianca, which currently allocates 58% of its seating capacity to domestic routes. This strategic focus has been especially effective as 14% of the airline’s domestic passengers in 2023 were first-time flyers, indicating that Avianca’s efforts to democratize air travel in Colombia are paying off. “We were very surprised by this figure,” said Pedreira at a year-end press conference in Bogota, highlighting that flexible and competitive pricing strategies have made air travel accessible to a broader segment of the population.
Avianca’s growth comes after the 2023 collapse of local low-cost carriers Viva and Ultra Air, which previously filled significant gaps in domestic connectivity. This development left a void that Avianca has been quick to fill, benefiting from reduced competition and an increased demand for domestic travel.
Following its emergence from a Chapter 11 restructuring process in late 2021, Avianca has adopted a leaner, more efficient business model that allows it to offer more affordable fares. A key element of this strategy is the introduction of a basic economy fare tier that excludes a carry-on bag, appealing to cost-conscious travelers. Pedreira noted that nearly 70% of Avianca’s domestic passengers opt not to bring a carry-on, suggesting a strong alignment between customer needs and the products offered.
The airline’s robust domestic network includes flights from Bogota to major cities like Medellin, Cali, Cartagena, Santa Maria, and Barranquilla. Recently, Avianca further expanded its domestic offerings with new routes from Bogota to Arauca and Quibdo, bringing its total number of domestic routes to 40. These routes are serviced by Airbus A320 aircraft, capable of carrying 180 passengers.
Looking forward, Pedreira emphasized that competitive pricing remains a cornerstone of Avianca’s strategy. “We continue believing that having a cost-efficient operation to ensure competitive tickets is key to our business,” he stated. This approach not only caters to first-time flyers but also to the broader market seeking reliable and affordable travel options within Colombia.
The expansion of Avianca’s domestic routes and its strategic focus on affordability and accessibility are expected to continue driving growth in Colombia’s air travel sector. This commitment is also in line with comments from Sergio París, Colombia’s director of civil aeronautics, who noted that “the growth of regional [domestic] connectivity is key to the country’s economic and tourism development.”
As Avianca capitalizes on these trends, the airline is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Colombia’s aviation industry, supporting economic growth and making air travel an option for more Colombians than ever before.
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