Avianca and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) have formally agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today. This MOU establishes the permanent reinstatement of the Medellín-San Juan route and ensures that there will be a minimum of ten weekly flights between Bogotá and San Juan.
Additionally, the agreement includes the implementation of new collaborative promotional agreements. Avianca’s expansion in Puerto Rico is further supported by these new services, providing enhanced connectivity between the South American continent and the island.
The airline has successfully added the MDE-SJU route to their holiday schedule, and starting from March 31, it will operate regularly four times a week. Additionally, the demand for the BOG-SJU route has increased due to capacity expansions, taking advantage of the connectivity offered by the Bogotá hub. As a result of these expansions, Avianca‘s capacity in Puerto Rico is now at its highest level in the past ten years.
Carlos Mercado Santiago, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, stated that the commercial agreements between Puerto Rico and Avianca will facilitate the airline’s rapid growth in San Juan after the pandemic. Avianca’s capacity on the island is projected to triple compared to 2019, resulting in an estimated economic impact of approximately $49 million. This growth will bring nearly 130,000 seats in total from Bogotá and Medellín to Puerto Rico in 2024.
Rolando Damas, Avianca’s sales director for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, expressed that the establishment of Avianca’s nonstop flight connecting San Juan and Medellín will enhance Puerto Rico’s global connectivity and offer customers a direct and convenient choice to access one of Colombia’s captivating destinations. Furthermore, our commitment to expanding operations ensures that travelers have access to a wider range of convenient flight options.
SOURCE: Puerto Rico Tourism: Avianca Medellín-San Juan Flights Return BY: eTurboNews | eTN