Petro suggests that Satena airline serve passengers affected by the Viva Air crisis

The Colombian president, Gustavo Petro, suggested that the state airline Satena serve the passengers affected by the suspension of operations of Viva Airwhich suspended its national and international operations after the authorities rejected its request for integration with Avianca to overcome its financial crisis.

“We woke up with the news on television about Viva Air, a company that goes bankrupt and leaves some people stranded at airports with tickets sold. One says, Satena should operate here immediately, at least in defense of these users, which is currently managed by the Air Force.”, Petro said during the Fifth Intersectoral Commission for Comprehensive Care for Veterans.

The president assured that this company has been key in these months for the services provided before the closure of the Pan-American highway, the main one in the southwest of the country, and the “opening of relations with Venezuela”.

satinsaid Petro, also has “opening of possibilities of lines to Mexico and Ecuador” and live a “stellar moment in which the company could grow”.

This company also has the possibility of becoming “the largest airline in Colombia, because it is actually from Colombia“Well, Avianca and others”They were (Colombian) but they are no longer”.

Petro stated that the international operation of satinwhich will hardly fly to Venezuela as the first destination abroad, must grow to “to ensure that this country, whatever events may occur with private companies and airlines, is not left unconnected”.

Viva Crisis

Viva Air published a statement in which it recriminates the Civil Aeronautics (Aerocivil) for issuing a “communication recognizing the interests of various third parties on Viva’s urgent request to allow its integration with a stronger and larger group of airlines” the day before. .

These third parties include JetSmartcontrolled by the US investment fund Indigo Partners and other national and foreign companies.

Viva Airto face the economic crisis it is going through, sought to integrate with Avianca, an option that the Colombian authorities have rejected so far.

According to Viva, the delay in making a decision on the matter by the aeronautical authorities has led her to present numerous evidences to the Colombian government to demonstrate that “is in a critical financial situation” and the only way it could keep flying is the integration it demands.

At the beginning of February Viva already canceled some national routes and today’s decision to paralyze its operations caused protests at airports such as those in Bogotá, Medellín and Barranquilla, where travelers who stayed on the ground are demanding a solution and that their rights be respected.

Given what happened, the Aerocivil assured this Tuesday that “passengers who have a ticket issued or confirmed reservation for February 27 and 28, and for tomorrow March 1, 2023 with the airline Viva Airthe airlines Latam, Avianca and satin They offer the transportation alternative on the shared routes, according to the availability of seats, at no additional cost.”

Source: EFE