Colombian low-cost airline Viva Air is in the midst of drama as its debt grows and there is no decision on its merger with Avianca in sight.
The small airline, which relies on a fleet of leased jets, has received a request from one of the leasing companies to take five A320s out of service while the bankruptcy process takes place.
Follow ADN: Facebook | Twitter
According to data from FlightRadar24, three A320ceo had been stopped since the 20th in Medellin, where the airline’s headquarters are located.
Two other jets, registrations HK-5307 and HK-5327 and belonging to lessor AerCap, had flights scheduled this Tuesday to Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport, in the USA.
Viva Air’s active fleet has another six first-generation A320s and ten A320neos, which are more economical – in December, the company had already returned two aircraft of this type.
In light of the leasing company’s decision, Viva Air announced that it was re-accommodating passengers who would be affected by the flight cancellations.
Latam, one of those interested in acquiring the struggling carrier, offered to accommodate Viva customers with flights between February 21st and 27th.
More companies interested
As it struggles to survive, Viva Air has attracted more bidders. According to Aerocivil, Colombia’s civil aviation authority, in addition to Avianca, JetSmart and Latam, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Ultra Air and Wingo also requested to participate in the process.
According to a resolution published on February 17, these companies will have three days to confirm their interest, while Avianca and Viva Air have a period of 15 days to present more information about their merger proposal.
