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Boliviana de Aviación

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Boliviana de Aviación (shortened in Spanish for Empresa Pública Nacional Estratégica Boliviana de Aviación "Bolivian National Strategic Aviation Public Company") and stylized as BoA, is the flag carrier airline of Bolivia and is wholly owned by the country's government. Founded in October 2007 and headquartered in Cochabamba, it operates most of its domestic network out of its primary hub at Jorge Wilstermann International Airport while its international services operate out Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. It is the largest airline in Bolivia and sixth largest in South America, in terms of fleet size and passengers carried.[3]

Boliviana de Aviación
IATA ICAO Call sign
OB BOV BOLIVIANA
Founded24 October 2007
Commenced operations30 March 2009
AOC #119-01-005[1]
HubsJorge Wilstermann International Airport
Focus cities
Frequent-flyer programElévate
Fleet size23
Destinations21
Parent companyBolivian Government (100%)
HeadquartersCochabamba, Bolivia
Key peopleRonald Casso (CEO)
RevenueIncrease Bs. 102 million (2014)[2]
Net incomeDecrease Bs. 38.7 million (2014)[2]
Total assetsIncrease Bs. 629 million (2014)[2]
Employees2,345 (2015)[2]
Websitewww.boa.bo

Boliviana de Aviación operates a fleet consisting of Airbus and Boeing aircraft and a regional fleet of Bombardier CRJ-200s. It currently flies to 21 destinations in 8 countries in the Americas together with a transatlantic extension to Madrid in Spain.

The airline was established as a state-owned enterprise under the name of as the successor airline of former flag carrier Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano, which ceased in 2007 after 85 years of operation.[4] Following the demise of AeroSur, Bolivia's second largest airline, BoA became the country's sole main carrier in 2011. In November 2014, the airline became a full member of the International Air Transport Association.[5][6]

History

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BoA's first Boeing 737-300 parked at El Alto International Airport in La Paz.

Background and early years

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Boliviana de Aviación (BoA), was founded on 24 October 2007 by the Bolivian government under president Evo Morales, who signed Supreme Decree 29318 into law, establishing the new airline as a strategic state-owned enterprise with the purpose of sustaining the Bolivian air travel market, which had been left exposed during the downturn of Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano (LAB), the country's former flag carrier.[7][8]

Proposals from the Bolivian government to establish a new airline quickly became concrete in 2006 when LAB suspended much of its air routes due to financial difficulties and years of mismanagement. LAB had accumulated losses since 1995, at the time of its partial acquisition by Brazilian airline VASP.[citation needed] Its debts approached $180 million dollars and in 2012, it formally ceased operations after 87 years of service. At the time of its demise, Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano was the second oldest airline in South America after Avianca.[citation needed]

On 29 March 2009, Boliviana de Aviación launched its first scheduled flight between the cities of La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz de la Sierra using one of the two Boeing 737-300 it acquired that same year. In 2012, BoA became the main airline in the country after the bankruptcy of AeroSur, Bolivia's second largest carrier.[citation needed]

Expansion

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Three years after it started operations, Boliviana de Aviación extended its domestic network by adding services to the cities of Sucre and Tarija.[9] In 2012, following the demise Bolivia's second largest airline, AeroSur, the airline became the principal carrier in the country and consolidated its network of scheduled domestic services, reaching the country's main centers of population. In addition to its domestic network, the airline operates scheduled international services to the South American countries of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru and Venezuela. In May 2010, it inaugurated its first international flight from Cochabamba to Buenos Aires and in November 2010, it began services to São Paulo, its second international destination.[10][11] The airline currently offers daily non-stop service to Buenos Aires and to São Paulo.[12]

 
A Boliviana de Aviación Airbus A330-200 on short final to Miami International Airport.

The airline subsequently leased a single Airbus A330 as its first long-haul aircraft to begin transatlantic services to Madrid in Spain. The first flight was made in November 2012 from Santa Cruz de la Sierra's Viru Viru International Airport to Madrid–Barajas Airport.[13] The airline later retired the Airbus A330 and in 2014, it leased a total of 4 Boeing 767-300ERs to increase frequencies to its Madrid service and began daily non-stop flights to Miami in the United States that same year.[14] On February 8th, 2022, the airline began service to Lima, Peru,[15] On October 26th 2023, the airline started scheduled services to Havana in Cuba using a Boeing 737-800. However, the airline will suspend its services to Havana by July 25, 2024, just 9 months since its inaugural flight, due to low demand and high operating costs.[16] On November 3rd 2023, it launched its new destination to Caracas, Venezuela and on January 18th 2024, it launched it began service to Asuncion in Paraguay.[17]

As part of its fleet modernization program, the airline started to gradually replace its fleet of Boeing 737-300 for modern Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft. In April 2022, Boliviana de Aviación took delivery of its first Airbus A330-200 for its long-haul services from Santa Cruz de la Sierra, to Miami and Madrid.[18] The airline currently has three aircraft of the type in its fleet, replacing the aging Boeing 767-300ER.[19] The newer aircraft feature lie-flat seats in business class and improved services in economy class featuring In-flight entertainment screens in every seat. The airline is also currently modernizing the interior seats of its Boeing 737 aircraft by installing newer Mirus Hawk seats.[20]

Business figures

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International economy class cabin on a BoA Airbus A330-200

On 29 March 2009, Boliviana of Aviación (BoA) made its inaugural flight. To almost a year of the fact, the participation of the state company in the regular aeronautical market came to a close of 50% and utilities[clarification needed] to some US$2.2 million.[21] Some domestic networks have been dominated by the services of BoA. Most of the airline's financial success is due to the 10% reduction of all its fares in domestic flights compared with AeroSur.[22]

Since 2010, the airline began taking leadership in some domestic routes, in decline of the private flag carrier AeroSur. According to the Authority of Inspection and Social control of Transport and Telecommunications (ATT), Boliviana de Aviación achieved the passengers' biggest quantity in three routes:[23]

Destinations

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Domestic and international destinations operated by the airline (as of May 2024).

Boliviana de Aviación's main hub is in Cochabamba at Jorge Wilstermann International Airport, located in the center of the country. As such, most of the domestic network is operated out of Cochabamba. The airline also maintains two focus cities in La Paz and Santa Cruz de la Sierra. All international flights within South America as well as long-haul services to Madrid and Miami operate out of Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra due to the airport's low altitude compared to La Paz's El Alto International Airport.[citation needed]

Codeshare agreements

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Boliviana de Aviación has codeshare agreements with the following airlines:

Fleet

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Boeing 737-300
 
Boeing 737-700
 
Boeing 737-800
 
Boeing 767-300ER
 
Airbus A330-200
 
Bombardier CRJ200

Current fleet

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As of July 2024, the fleet of Boliviana de Aviación includes the following aircraft:[citation needed]

Boliviana de Aviación fleet
Aircraft In fleet Orders Passengers Notes
C Y Total
Airbus A330-200[18] 3 — 20 255 275
Boeing 737-300 4 — — 138 138
Boeing 737-700 4 — – 136 136
Boeing 737-800 9 — – 168 168
Boeing 767-300ER 1 — 10 215 225 To be retired in 2024.[30]
Bombardier CRJ200 2 — – 50 50 Returned to service in 2024.[31]
Total 23 —

Former fleet

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Since its inception, Boliviana de Aviación has operated the following aircraft:[32]

Boliviana de Aviación former fleet
Aircraft Total Introduced Retired Notes
Boeing 737-500 1 2013 2015
Boeing 767-200ER 1 2013 2014 Leased from Omni Air International

Fleet development

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Boliviana de Aviación started operations with two Boeing 737-300s. On 29 September 2009, BoA announced the arrival of its 3rd Boeing 737. On 14 April 2010, BoA received its 4th Boeing 737. In April 2011, BoA received its 5th Boeing 737. President Evo Morales celebrated the new acquisition and emphasized the positive results in the coverage of the internal market.[33] On 14 September 2014, BoA announced the arrival of its first Boeing 767-300ER. On May 4 2023, BoA acquired its first two Airbus A330-200s as part of the airline's long-haul fleet modernization program. The Airbus A330 aircraft will replace the older Boeing 767-300ERs.[18]

In 2013, the Bolivian Government and the Russian ambassador were negotiating the acquisition of the Antonov An-148 for official and civil uses.[34] Bolivia was interested in acquiring eight planes, one as the presidential carrier and seven to the state-owned airlines which are Boliviana de Aviación and Transporte Aéreo Militar. According to the negotiation, BoA would have received four planes and TAM three planes of this type.[35] However, the negotiation depended on the cooperative advances between the Bolivian and Russian governments as regards a credit for US$250 million. Such plan has been postponed/canceled due to economic and technical unviability. In 2018, the Federal Service for Supervision of Transport grounded all Antonov An-148 aircraft citing safety concerns.[36][37]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Memoria Institucional 2022" (pdf) (in Spanish). Boliviana de Aviación. 2022. p. 16. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  2. ^ a b c d "Memoria Anual 2014" (PDF) (in Spanish). Boliviana de Aviación. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 30 January 2016.
  3. ^ "The Largest Airlines In South America". World Atlas. Reunion Technology Inc. August 2017. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  4. ^ "Bolivia takes control of airports". BBC News. 2006-03-31. Retrieved 2024-07-14.
  5. ^ "IATA Current Airline Members". iata.org. 2015-03-03. Retrieved 2015-03-03.
  6. ^ "Boliviana de Aviación, LIAT Airlines y Aerogal reciben certificación de IATA". eju.tv. 2014-11-04. Retrieved 2015-03-03.
  7. ^ "Bolivia: Decreto Supremo Nº 29318, 24 de octubre de 2007". levivox.org (in Spanish). Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  8. ^ "Nueva aerolínea estatal boliviana hace vuelo inaugural" [New Bolivian state-owned airline makes inaugural flight]. Reuters (in Spanish). 29 March 2009. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
  9. ^ (in Spanish) http://www.hoybolivia.com/Noticia.php?IdNoticia=16357
  10. ^ "BoA inagura nuevo vuelo a São Paulo". Prensalibre.com. 2010-11-22. Retrieved 2013-02-03.
  11. ^ "BOA confirma inauguracion de ruta internacional a Buenos Aires | Tarija Bolivia Gas YPFB Nacionalizacion". Tarijalibre.tarijaindustrial.com. 2010-05-13. Retrieved 2013-02-03.
  12. ^ Technical frequency from VVI to GRU "BoA Weekly Service Frequency to GRU". 2021-04-02.
  13. ^ "Boliviana de Aviación launches services from Santa Cruz Viru Viru to Madrid". 12 December 2012.
  14. ^ Nadalet, Ivan (2014-05-04). "Boliviana de Aviación to start Miami flights on June 6". ch-aviation. Switzerland. Retrieved 2024-07-14.
  15. ^ (in Spanish) BOLIVIANA DE AVIACIÓN SE PREPARA PARA VOLARA A LIMA http://www.aviacionnews.com/blog/2018/09/boliviana-de-aviacion-se-prepara-para-volara-a-lima/
  16. ^ Jimenez, Claire (2024-05-10). "Boliviana de Aviación Halts Flights to Cuba". CubaHeadlines. Retrieved 2024-07-14.
  17. ^ "BoA Starts Selling Tickets on New Routes to Caracas and Havana". Aviacionline. 2023-10-05. Retrieved 2024-07-14.
  18. ^ a b c "Boliviana de Aviación becomes Airbus' newest operator in Bolivia". Airbus. 2022-04-07. Retrieved 2024-07-14.
  19. ^ "Boliviana de Aviación takes first A330-200". ch-aviation. Switzerland. 2023-04-28. Retrieved 2024-07-14.
  20. ^ Powell, Lucy (2023-04-03). "Boliviana de Aviación selects Mirus Hawk for Boeing 737". LARA News. LARA Media. Retrieved 2024-07-14.
  21. ^ Boliviana de Aviación Archived March 14, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  22. ^ "BoA oferta sus tarifas rebajadas; AeroSur destaca su variada oferta | NOTAS DE AEROLINEAS DE BOLIVIA". Avionesbol.blogspot.com. March 28, 2009. Archived from the original on 2012-03-26. Retrieved 2013-02-03.
  23. ^ BoA lidera 3 rutas, AeroSur habla de competencia desleal
  24. ^ (in Spanish) Cochabamba-Cobija, con el 64 por ciento http://att.gob.bo/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=591:boa-lidera-3-rutas-aerosur-habla-de-competencia-desleal&catid=53:transportes Archived 2012-03-21 at the Wayback Machine
  25. ^ (in Spanish) Cochabamba-Sucre, con el 73 por ciento http://att.gob.bo/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=591:boa-lidera-3-rutas-aerosur-habla-de-competencia-desleal&catid=53:transportes Archived 2012-03-21 at the Wayback Machine
  26. ^ (in Spanish) Cochabamba-Tarija, con el 93 por ciento http://att.gob.bo/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=591:boa-lidera-3-rutas-aerosur-habla-de-competencia-desleal&catid=53:transportes Archived 2012-03-21 at the Wayback Machine
  27. ^ "BoA y Aerolíneas Argentinas firman acuerdo interlineal para beneficio de pasajeros" (in Spanish). 15 April 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  28. ^ Karp, Aaron (2022-09-14). "Avianca, Boliviana De Aviación Sign Interline Accord". Aviation Week Network. Retrieved 2024-07-14.
  29. ^ Liu, Jim (23 July 2019). "Boliviana de Aviacion expands Iberia codeshare from July 2019". Routes Online. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  30. ^ Villamizar, Helwing (2023-12-04). "Boliviana de Aviación Retires Last Boeing 767-300ER". Airways. Dallas, TX. Retrieved 2024-07-14.
  31. ^ "Bolivia's BoA Regional commences operation". ch-aviation. Switzerland. 2016-01-04. Retrieved 2024-07-14.
  32. ^ "Global Airline Guide 2019 (Part One)". Airliner World: 7. October 2019.
  33. ^ "El gobierno entrega la quinta aeronave a BOA". Lostiempos.com. 2011-04-30. Archived from the original on 2012-10-06. Retrieved 2013-02-03.
  34. ^ "Bolivia interesada en comprar avión presidencial y helicópteros rusos | Rusia-Iberoamérica | RIA Novosti". Sp.rian.ru. 2011-05-24. Retrieved 2013-02-03.
  35. ^ (in Spanish) TAM con tres aviones y BoA con cuatro. http://www.airline92.com/
  36. ^ "Compañía "Boliviana de Aviación" negocia cinco aviones rusos Antonov-148" (in Spanish). Informeaeronautico.com. 2009-08-28. Retrieved 2013-02-03.
  37. ^ "Russia Grounds All AN-148 Planes Over Safety Fears After Plane Crash". The Moscow Times. 2018-03-20. Retrieved 2024-07-15.
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