As of March 28th, the Colombian airline will begin to reactivate flight routes connecting Central American countries with North American and South American nations.
Restructuring of airlines, preference for direct flights, modifications in the routes operated and the use of smaller aircraft are some of the changes expected in the regional air market in the context of the new business normality.
Air traffic has virtually disappeared in the last three months, as governments in Central America have decided to close borders and suspend commercial flights to and from the region's airports as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.
In five years the airline market in Central America has transformed from being a market dominated by two major airlines, to one with new entrants, lower prices and greater connectivity.
The arrival of so called "low cost" airlines to the region has resulted in a progressive reduction in the prices of tickets to fly between Central American countries. Between 2011 and 2014 the average cost without taxes for travelling between Costa Rica and El Salvador ranged from between $400 and $500, while in 2015 it costs $391.
From 23rd to 25th of February representatives from airlines, airports and the tourism industry will be reviewing air services in the region.
More than 400 aviation professionals, representatives from 70 airlines, 25 authorities for tourism and airports will meet from 23rd to 25th February in El Salvador in the seventh edition of Routes Americas, an event aimed at developing new routes and expanding connectivity .
After three years of announcements about the move, Star alliance has confirmed the formal admission of Copa Airlines and AviancaTaca into the global airline network.
An article in Laprensagrafica.com reports that "The alleged integration of Star Alliance into Copa was first mentioned in 2009, especially since Continental, with whom Copa has codesharing alliances, announced it would join Star Alliance and leave SkyTeam, the other major airline alliance in operation today. Although Copa is no longer part of SkyTeam, it has not yet officially joined Star Alliance. "
The airlines announced the signing of the agreement which will contribute to increased flight options for passengers in the Southern Cone.
In the first quarter of next year, Sky Airlines will sign a similar agreement with the airline Avianca, indicated Fabio Villegas, CEO of Avianca, Taca, Stuart Ortiz, COO of Avianca-Taca and Jürgen Paulmann, CEO of Sky Airlines, in a press conference.
Latin American airlines Avianca, Taca and Copa joined the global Star Alliance network.
The goal of these two companies joining the alliance is to integrate the ''hubs'' of Avianca-Taca (San Salvador, Lima, San José and Bogotá) and Copa (Panama City).
The incorporation of both airlines will be implemented by standardizing ticketing procedures and baggage handling, said Jaan Albrecht, CEO of Star Alliance.