Avianca has flown a second aircraft from Colombia to China a DC-4 made a stopover in this Asian country going to Sydney for the 1956 Olympics. In 2020, Avianca carried out a flight between Colombia and China, aiming to move 28 tonnes of general cargo and medical supplies.

The flight departed from Bogotá, stopping in Los Angeles and Tokyo before landing in Shanghai, where it arrived on April 29 and will return to Colombia on Saturday, May 2. It is estimated that this operation will be carried out regularly, operating three times a week, with departures from Bogotá on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and returns from Shanghai on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

In this regard, Juan Esteban Kappaz, flight operations director at Avianca Holdings, indicated: “Our wings are still open to perform these special operations. The flight between Colombia and China not only marks a milestone in our history but also makes all of us who are part of the Avianca family very proud.”

Kurt Schosinsky managing director at Avianca Cargo, said: “It is the first time that the company has performed a cargo flight to China, and we will continue to operate this route to bring medical supplies and protective equipment from China, among other products that will undoubtedly be very useful in Latin America in this difficult situation. At Avianca, we will continue to do everything we can using all our technical and human resources at our disposal to contribute to maintaining the supply chain and the world economy active.

“In addition to this operation, to date, we have completed 60 special flights mobilizing more than 3,850 people and transporting more than 50,800 tonnes on cargo flights between different cities in Europe and Latin America. Our mission has always been to connect, and we will continue to do so.”

In the operation of this flight, which was full of cargo and empty seats, all biosafety and protection protocols for onboard and ground staff were followed. The company implemented measures to minimise physical contact, supplied cleaning kits and protective elements to personnel, delivered antibacterial gel, gloves, and digital thermometers, alcohol, as well as towels for cleaning accessories before and during the flight, in addition to the disinfection processes of aircraft and offices.