They create the largest alliance of commercial aviation in America

The alliance between United, Copa and Avianca, airlines already present in Argentina, will provide domestic connections directly from Bogota or Panama to South America and the Caribbean, as well as from New York or Houston to all destinations from the United States and Europe.

The companies are now waiting for the approval of the US government to finish shaping what will become the largest commercial aviation alliance in the Americas.

"In November 2018, United Airlines announced the conclusion of a joint commercial agreement (JBA in English) with the Panamanian airline (Copa), Aerovías del Continente Americano SA (Avianca) and several subsidiaries of the Avianca group", he confirmed. at the agency TelamJonathan Guerin, America's United Manager.

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Guerin explained that the agreement was "awaiting government approval, but that it should offer significant benefits to customers, communities and the general market for travel between the United States and the United States. United and 19 countries of Central and South America ".

This agreement provides for the integration of the three companies' networks and their complementary routes into a JBA collaborative revenue sharing plan, which translates into customer benefits, including seamless integrated service in more than 12,000 city pairs. . This involves non-stop flights, additional flights on existing routes and reduced travel times.

United currently has two daily flights between the United States and Argentina, one to New York, Newark Airport and the other to Houston. The Copa also has three daily connections between Ezeiza and the Hub of the Americas in Panama, Tocumen Airport and also serves the same destination from Rosario, Córdoba, Salta and Mendoza. While Avianca operates three daily flights between Ezeiza and El Dorado Airport in Bogotá, two of them making stops in Lima.

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And after the alliance, for travelers entering or leaving Argentina, direct links will be opened from Bogota or Panama to South America and the Caribbean, as well as from New York or Houston to the United States and to Europe.

In addition, the three airlines should be able to serve their customers as if it were a single airline, allowing companies to better align their frequent flyer programs, coordinate flight schedules and improve airport facilities.

"This agreement represents the next chapter in air transport between the United States and Latin America," said Scott Kirby, president of United. "We are excited to be working with our Star Alliance, Avianca and Copa partners."

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Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines, emphasized the consolidation of "existing partnership with United Airlines and we hope to increase service options for our customers by working more closely with Avianca".

Finally, Hernán Rincón, Executive Chairman of Avianca, highlighted the benefits of the alliance: "Together, we are stronger in the US and Latin American market than any of the three airlines individually".