Quito, (10/12/2014) This December 10, the low-cost airline Viva Colombia, began operating the route between the cities of Bogota and Quito.

The new service of Viva Colombia is the result of a series of actions led by the Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador to improve connectivity between the two countries.

A big arc of water welcomed the first Viva Colombia´s aircraft that arrived in Quito. The new route will departure from Bogota on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The ceremony was held at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, with the participation of Promotion Vice-Minister of Ecuador´s Tourism Ministry (Mintur), Dominic Hamilton, Ambassador of Colombia, Ricardo Lozano and director of business development of Quiport, Carlos Criado.

Also present in this activity were Viva Colombia´s CEO, Juan Emilio Posada, director of connectivity of MINTUR, Susana Suarez, media and special guests.

Dominic Hamilton said the Government has prioritized the actions of air connectivity to facilitate arriving of travelers to Ecuador, so they can enjoy the many tourist destinations this county offers.

He added further that the entry of the airline evidence trust and the willingness that exists on issues related to investment and business. He also stressed that the campaign «Ecuador bacano», held in Colombia, seeks to diversify and enrich the tourist offer through innovation and the creation of new promotion products.

Viva Colombia democratizes air services

The company owns four groups of investors and it has revenues around $ 130 million, annually. It has six Airbus A320 equipped with 180 seats each for operations.

To Ricardo Lozano, Ambassador of Colombia, this air service will allow about 350,000 Colombians come to Ecuador each year, while some 100,000 Ecuadorians will visit Colombia.

Juan Emilio Posada, CEO of Viva Colombia, said airlines operating under this model seek to democratize aviation, because they save costs in foodservice, onboard entertainment, among other things.

Viva Colombia began operations in May 2012 and currently occupies 10% market share. The airline covers 17 routes in Colombia.

Tourism in Ecuador lives a great moment. The country is seeking new connections and routes to extend promotional strategies to attract new market segments and create opportunities for cooperation under a model of public-private management.

CM