Colombian carrier issues RFPs to Airbus and Boeing
Avianca is set for a major fleet renewal and has issued requests for proposals (RFP) to Airbus and Boeing for up to 56 aircraft.
The Colombian carrier declines to comment on the RFP, but manufacturing sources say it comprises up to 42 narrowbodies (22 firm and 20 options), and 14 widebodies (seven firm and seven options) – most likely the Airbus A350 or Boeing 787. Airbus and Boeing sources confirm receipt of the RFP.
Avianca president Fabio Villegas has previously said that he wants to start renewing the fleet in 2008. According to the ACAS database, Avianca operates an all-Boeing jet fleet of 21 narrowbodies – six 757-200s and 15 MD-80s – and six 767-200/300ER widebodies. It also flies six Fokker 50 turboprops.
To support short-term growth, over the next months Avianca will take delivery of 10 Fokker 100s, part of a batch of 29 acquired by its corporate umbrella organisation, Synergy. The other aircraft will go to Avianca’s sister companies in Ecuador, Peru and Brazil.
RAINER UPHOFF / MADRID
Source: Flight International
