Avianca (AVHOQ) has revealed that it will be operating the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner as its only widebody passenger aircraft for long-haul operations. The carrier’s chief financial officer Rohit Philip confirmed that in order to support the airline‘s network and capacity needs, the flag carrier of Colombia will need to simplify its fleet. 

The Bogota-based airline believes that operating long-haul flights between South America and Europe with a single type fleet will help the company to improve efficiency and profitability as well as reduce its environmental footprint amid the industry recovery period. 

According to Avianca’s (AVHOQ) statement dated October 21, 2021, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is the best option for the airline to follow its plan regarding capacity enlargement and sustainability.

In the statement, Philip states: “One of Avianca’s (AVHOQ) strategic objectives is simplifying its fleet while increasing efficiency; selecting the 787-8 as the airline’s single aircraft type for long-haul flights is an important step towards this goal.”

He continues: “We are proud to be able to confirm that we will continue to fly the Dreamliner, an exceptional aircraft that given its capabilities, features, efficiency, and comfort is the best solution for our company and our customers. We expect to retain our lie-flat business class seats, targeting our loyal business customers, while redesigning the rest of the cabin with latest-generation seats over the next 18 months.” 

Avianca (AVHOQ) claims that the fuel-efficient 787-8 Dreamliner will significantly reduce the carrier’s environmental footprint and cut fuel costs for long-haul flights by around 20%. In the meantime, Avianca (AVHOQ) expects to increase its cargo payload and passenger seating capacity to meet the demand for international operations post-pandemic.

As the jet is considered to be one of the most technologically advanced aircraft available on the current market, the airline also believes that enhanced cabin pressure levels and other innovative systems will improve the passenger experience for international flights. 

“We would like to thank Avianca (AVHOQ) for their ongoing commitment to the 787 Dreamliner. The aircraft, and its leading economic and environmental performance, will serve Avianca (AVHOQ) well as they grow during the market recovery ahead,” vice president of Boeing sales Ricardo Cavero said, as he reacted to Avianca’s (AVHOQ) strategic decision.

Even though the carrier has selected the type for an international operations-dedicated fleet, it is yet to specify how its decision will affect its current fleet. To date, Avianca (AVHOQ) operates a fleet of 145 aircraft, 14 of which are Boeing Family passenger jets, including 13 787-8 Dreamliners and a single 787-9 widebody aircraft.