Avianca Brazil's financial problems are reportedly affecting Avianca Argentina's operations (Reportur, 17-Feb-2019). Avianca Argentina returned one A320 which was planned to operate Buenos Aires Ezeiza-Sao Paulo Guarulhos service. Avianca Argentina CEO Carlos Colunga added: "We planned to operate with four aircraft and we incorporated and trained pilots, but the USD doubled the cost and fuel price increased disproportionally". He added the carrier has 80 pilots, "but the reality is that for the aircraft I have I only need 24 pilots". Avianca Argentina applied for state assistance with "crisis procedures for the state to assist for the next six months", being exempt from paying taxes. Argentina's Asociacion de Pilotos de Lineas Aereas (Commercial Pilots Association - APLA) stated the carrier formally filed for Crisis Prevention Mechanism and is seeking to "partially pay workers". [more - original PR - Spanish]
Avianca Argentina enters into 'Crisis Prevention' mode following Avianca Brazil issues
19 February, 2019