Avianca to significantly reduce Airbus aircraft deliveries

Avianca Holdings, one of Latin America’s largest airline operators, said it has negotiated a “significant reduction” in aircraft deliveries from 2016-2019 with Airbus. Last May, Avianca firmed up an order for 100 A320neo family aircraft, the largest single aircraft order ever placed by a Latin American airline. The order brought to 133 the number of A320neo family aircraft Avianca has on order. In addition to Colombian flag carrier Avianca, Avianca Holdings also controls San Salvador-based TACA, Costa Rica’s LACSA, Taca Peru, Guatemala’s Aviateca, Ecuador’s Aerogal, Avianca Brazil, Taca de Honduras and Avianca Cargo. Avianca did not say exactly how many aircraft deliveries had been changed or whether it has deferred or canceled Airbus aircraft on order. An Avianca spokesperson did not respond to a query. In a brief filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the company said the agreement reached with Airbus is “directed towards enhancing profitability, achieving a leaner capital structure as well as reducing the current levels of debt.”<br/>