The Colombian airline Avianca signed a purchase order for 88 new a320neo aircraft with the European manufacturer Airbus, which also includes a purchase option for 50 additional aircraft. The deal is part of the airline’s Chapter 11 business plan, which aims to operate more than 200 routes with 130 planes by 2025.
The new aircraft will be incorporated progressively between 2025 and 2031, and with this the company is also seeking savings in key costs such as fuel, whose consumption will be reduced by around 20% with the new equipment.
“This is good news for our company, our people and our customers,” Rohit Philip, CFO of Avianca, was quoted as saying in a statement. “This order confirms that we continue to make the necessary investments for the growth of our network in line with our business plan.”
The 88 aircraft ordered by the company join a fleet of more than 110 aircraft that the company has in operation, which fly to 65 destinations in Colombia, Latin America and Europe.
“We are very happy that Avianca has confirmed its preference for the A320neo aircraft. The A320neo incorporates the latest technologies, including new generation engines, sharklets and aerodynamics, which together offer 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to previous generation Airbus aircraft,” said Arturo Barreira, president of Airbus for Latin America and the Caribbean.
The planes will arrive with a new cabin configuration that has already been implemented by Avianca for its a320 aircraft, offering three types of classes: Premium, Plus and Economy. Currently, more than 90 of the airline’s a320 aircraft are being reconfigured. Starting in May, the premium offer will be available, and by the end of 2022 the company wants its entire fleet to be reconfigured.
