Avianca Cargo has expanded its capacity in the Ecuadorian market with the launch of two freighter frequencies per week between Quito-Bogotá and Los Angeles.

The flights will increase the number of tons transported to North America which currently represent 80% of the weekly tons exported by the company from Ecuador.

It will allow it to diversify the ports of entry of flowers to North America, adding this destination to Miami as an already existing point and through which it sent nearly 18,000 tons in around 300 flights operated from Ecuador and Colombia in the recent season of Valentine’s Day.

Said Juan Cruz Correa, Vice President of Sales for Avianca Cargo: “At Avianca Cargo we continue to connect the South American markets with the world. Now with a second point of entry to the USA and connections via Los Angeles.

“With this cargo inauguration, in addition to delivering a more robust service proposal to our customers, we will continue promoting the competitiveness of the flower industry, since 75% of the cargo we export from Ecuador, under the highest quality standards and on the required times, corresponds to flowers grown by Ecuadorian hands.”

José Luis Aguilar, Vice Minister of Transportation Services and Public Works, stated: “The joint work between the Ministry of Transportation and Public Works and commercial airlines brings good results. Our commitment is to improve the air transport conditions to strengthen the commercial and productive development of our country.”

Ramón Miró, president and CEO of Corporación Quiport, said: “The air cargo operation at the Quito International Airport has established itself as the most big in the country. With 290,000 metric tons transported in 2022, today we are the main port for air cargo transportation in Ecuador and we occupy an important place in Latin America by annual cargo volume.

“This has turned the Quito airport into an increasingly outstanding development pole, promoting not only tourism, but also productive activities oriented towards exports, especially flowers, but also fruit and other products.”

As part of this growth plan and with around 10 weekly average frequencies, the company expects to increase the cargo exported to Los Angeles.