Avianca latest to probe relationship with Airbus

Colombian carrier Avianca has engaged a law firm to conduct an independent internal investigation into its relationship with Airbus, after the airline was linked to the extensive probe into alleged bribery involving the airframer. French authorities have disclosed that Airbus orders from airlines including Avianca, Air Arabia, Korean Air, China Airlines, and Nepal Airlines have been scrutinised as part of the probe into the manufacturer’s alleged failure to prevent bribery. The French statement of facts issued as part of the judicial public interest agreement by the Parquet National Financier lays out evidence to back its allegations. Its probe into the Avianca relationship focuses on the circumstances surrounding its order for 100 A320neo aircraft in 2015. Avianca says it has retained the law firm Ropes & Gray to carry out an internal investigation into its relationship with Airbus and whether it has been the “victim of wrongdoing”. The company adds that it will “fully collaborate” with relevant authorities. “Airbus’s disclosure contains deeply concerning information regarding alleged actions by an individual at Avianca in the period prior to March 2016,” says Avianca Holdings president Anko van der Werff. “Our current management team strongly rejects any conduct that does not reflect integrity and transparency in business in general, and in particular towards Avianca.”<br/>