Avianca (Colombia) (Bogota) has announced it will resume regular service between Bogota and London (Heathrow) in July. Airbus A330s (above) are expected to be operated on the restored route.
In other news, the company has also announced its has temporarily grounded its remaining Fokker 50s. The company issued this statement:
“In line with the fleet renovation and modernization plan, Avianca S.A. is in the process of renewing its regional fleet by replacing the Fokker 50s with ATR 72-600 aircraft. The company currently operates a combined turbo prop fleet, consisting of four F okker 50s and four brand new ATR 72s.
In spite of the high technical standards and strict preventive maintenance processes, the company has in place, on January 28, a malfunction on one of the engines of a Fokker 50 operating on the Cali-Tumaco route before take-off. After performing all the proper inspections and going through all the safety procedures, Avianca S.A. has taken the preventive decision to temporarily ground its Fokker 50 fleet.
This preemptive security measure will allow Avianca S.A. and the engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney to establish the causes of the event, and implement the necessary corrective measures that will guaranty the aircraft ́s operational reliability.”
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A330-243 N948AC (msn 948) rotates off the runway at Miami International Airport (MIA).
Avianca (Colombia): 
