Cuenca courts Avianca to expand air service

City and business officials met Friday with executives of Avianca and say they are highly optimistic that the Colombian-based airline will establish service to Cuenca.

Avianca is based in Bogota, Colombia.

Currently, Avianca serves Quito, Guayaquil and the Galapagos Islands, and is looking to expand its operations in Latin America. In 2012, Avianca acquired the financially strapped Ecuadorian airline, AeroGal.

Municipal councilman Xavier Barrera said Avianca officials are impressed with the projected growth of the Cuenca market, both for passenger and freight service. “Among the larger cities in Ecuador, Cuenca is one of the fastest growing and is expected to reach 1.2 to 1.3 million metro population within 25 years,” Barrera says. “This is attractive to an airline that wants to expand its routes.”

The Cuenca representatives said Avianca has an interest in bringing regional international service to Cuenca, with flights to Colombia and Brazil. Barrera said flights to the U.S., with a stop in Quito or Guayaquil, are also a possibility. Latam currently offers that service from Cuenca to Miami and New York.