AeroRepublica Colombia And Others In 2004

wimpycol · Sun Feb 08, 2004 10:45 am

AeroRepublica will fly more international!

AeroRepublica is planning to start operating this year
Cali - Miami
Baranquilla - Miami
And to Quito from several cities in Colombia.
They are also launching 1.5bln Colombian pesos (about 550.000 USD) promotion campaign for San Andres, designed to recover the popularity of the island and make it a bigger international destination
see article below... in Spanish.

http://www.la-republica.com.co/noticia.php?id_notiweb=7907&id_subseccion=70&template=noticia&fecha=2004-02-08%2012:00

other news
* Aires joined the Amadeus system
* Inter to acquire 2 more DC-9's and also begins fleet renewal

Saludos
wimpy"col"

soamsky · Sun Feb 08, 2004 11:26 am

Funny I was just taking about San Andres in your other post about the new airline.

Now, one question in regard with "Inter to acquire 2 more DC-9's and also begins fleet renewal"
How can Inter be renewing their fleet by acquiring the stone aged DC-9s. They must be kidding. Laugh out loud

JUANR · Sun Feb 08, 2004 12:26 pm

Yes, I think Inter has serious problems, recently they got two 737-200 (ex-Frontier" to renew their fleet, it is soooo boring whatching their old planes in that horrible paint scheme!! I don't really know what are they thinking!!!

Juan SKBO

Southamerica · Sun Feb 08, 2004 2:29 pm

Wimpycol,

I'm afraid this has already been said and discussed a couple of times.

Anyway, yes, AeroRepublica is planning a massive expansion both domestically and internationally.

Besides CLO-MIA and BAQ-MIA, they already received the aproval of the following international sectors:

- BOG-CCS
- BOG-LIM
- BOG-MIA
- BOG-MCO

and domestically:

- MDE-CTG (Cartagena) starting daily flight in MD-83.
- Increasing the shuttle between BOG and MDE
- Consolidating their focus city in AZD (San Andres Island)

Currently AeroRepublica is the strongest operator in San Andrés, serving the island with several daily flights from BOG, MDE, CLO and BAQ. All operated in a mix of MD-81 and -83.

Avianca currently offers only nonstops to ADZ from BOG, all in MD-83s.

Aires also seems to be growing. I heard they're going to receive a couple of Dash-8 more to increase some flights and to open some new routes. They keep on consolidating their hub in EOH (Medellin's domestic airport) serving almost all destinations in the route system from here.

Oh, and Inter, just don't get me started guys. Insane

SOUTHAMERICA

717fan · Sun Feb 08, 2004 9:34 pm

Inter has added an ex-Midwest DC-9-32.

Is AeroRepublica adding more MD-80's to cover the expansion?

Thanks

Southamerica · Sun Feb 08, 2004 10:37 pm

717fan,

I think they are. I believe they received like two or three additional MD-83s to the end of last year, in order to cover the domestic expansion.

I imagine they are waiting to receive new equipment to begin with the new routes. Remember that, although they are planning several int'l routes, AeroRepublica is currently only a domestic carrier.

SOUTHAMERICA

wimpycol · Sun Feb 08, 2004 10:49 pm

SOUTHAMERICA

GRACIAS!
Thanks again for the info and now of AeroRepublica.
I didn't knew that they going that strong at the moment.
any news on the routes.. that you mentioned above??
- BOG-CCS
- BOG-LIM
- BOG-MIA
- BOG-MCO
Are the operating it already or in the next coming months?

About Aires... the Dash-8 that they will get... are they brand new or from Europe, USA??, any info on that??

Wimpycol

Southamerica · Sun Feb 08, 2004 11:04 pm

Wimpy,

Yes, AeroRepublica has been going strong lately. Since they changed their image, they started a huge publicity campaign in order to be the No1 carrier for colombians. They changed their livery, as well as they're whole fleet from DC9s to MDs, etc. They cover almost the whole national territory at the moment.

All those int'l flights are only planned, and they expect to be operating them by the end of this year, if things go well.

As I said in a recent post; although AeroRepublica has some int'l services planned in the horizon, currently they are a domestic only airline.

About the new Aires' Dash-8s, I have no idea from where they'll be comming. The only thing I know is that they'll be based in Medellin. Currently Aires serves almost 10 domestic destinations from their hub in EOH (Medellin) with multiple direct nonstops a day.

SOUTHAMERICA

chepos · Sun Feb 08, 2004 11:48 pm

INteresting to see AeroRepublica applying to serve MCO- with the growing Colombian community in Central Florida I'm sure maybe a twice weekly flight could work out.
Chepos

airways1 · Mon Feb 09, 2004 12:27 am

Does anyone know if any of these Colombian airlines print timetables?

If anyone can supply me with original printed (not photocopied!) timetables from Aero Republica, Inter, Aires, West Caribbean, or any other Colombian airlines, I will pay $10 each plus postage!!!

www.timetableimages.com

airways1

soamsky · Mon Feb 09, 2004 1:34 am

At one point this year AV was about to pull out the only non stop flight Cartagena has to North America (Miami). Av alleged the market couldn't sustain the flight. (for one thing it was less expensive going to CTG thru BOG, fares to CTG with AV are usually high). Well business, People, Gov in Cartagena were very concerned about the consequences this could've brought upon the tourism, conventions, and the economy in general. Well they started talking to Aerorepublica which had intention to operate the route and IMO they would've strengthened it, and offered a better service with more competitive fares. AV Realized that they were going to loose an strategic market in CTG and assured Cartagenean they were going to continue to serve the city. Latest news is that they're downsizing the service by offering just 2 non stop flight a week.
I've visited the avianca web site many times. They currently have one promotion to Cartagena from MIA for $295+taxes, guess what?? The only flights offered along with that promotion is MIA-BOG-CTG. I assume that If I want to take the only non stop flight I have to pay over $500 for just 2.5 hours flight time.
Go Aerorepublica, go!!

b752fanatic · Mon Feb 09, 2004 2:09 am

So how AeroRepublica going to do if their A/C have Colombian Registration, and I believe that Colombia is CAT2. (they cant fly to the US.)

Southamerica · Mon Feb 09, 2004 2:29 am

Yes, indeed the flight is being downgraded to 2xweekly, operating only on Wednesdays and Sundays. But be sure that around June or so, the flight will be upgraded again to daily.

Hope you get a good fare. AV offers always better prices connecting through their BOG hub. Although for me, going MDE-MIA or MDE- BOG-MIA is pretty much the same thing referringto fares.

Again, if you have any question just ask.

SOUTHAMERICA

soamsky · Mon Feb 09, 2004 2:48 am

Hi SOUTHAMERICA

"Oh, and Inter, just don't get me started guys."

Please, tell us all about it. Big grin

MAH4546 · Mon Feb 09, 2004 4:17 am

Awesome news to see them coming to MIA. The MIA-BAQ market is underserved and will welcome a 2nd daily. I think it would be great, however, if they maybe tried a new market. Something like MIA-PEI (which Avianca does same-plane via BOG) or maybe even MIA-ADZ (though that market would probably be very limited).

Southamerica · Mon Feb 09, 2004 4:18 am

SoAmSky,

Nah, just kidding. I just think they've got lots of work to do if they want to be considered as a true carrier here. Pretty old fleet againts the other airlines', and their network is also very small (with several important destiantions unserved), among other things.

SOUTHAMERICA

wimpycol · Tue Feb 10, 2004 3:13 am

Hello Juan

do you know anything more on these B737-200's of Inter???
I was in BOG last december and didn't saw them?? Are the stalled at the Inter hangar?
Well it would be cool to see really new planes in their fleet not old 727's! But if they put it on service, will the fly Bogota-Cali???
A friend of mine travel a lot between Bogota and Cali for work. But always travel with Inter because her company pais the tickets!!. She dont like it all, and prefer to fly with AV.

About the horrible paint scheme!! Yes its that rare colors, but the one before was more terrible. At this moment the sice of the name is perfect.... maybe they must paint it with happy colors!!

saludos
Willem

navega · Tue Feb 10, 2004 4:41 am

Just got back from Colombia and I must say that not only did the
Country impress me, but also AeroRepublica.

I flew BOG-CLO-BOG and both trips on brand new MD80's. Excellent
ground and air service. Airplanes spotless and beautiful.

They served a cold breakfast on a 45 minute flight and were able
to serve drinks and pick up eveything before landing. This on a full flight.

Beautiful and I do mean Beautiful flight attendants.

Very professional and polite and accommodating.

Go AeroRepublica....Go Colombia... I highly recommend visiting this
beautiful country.

JUANR · Tue Feb 10, 2004 4:42 am

Hi Willem!! I have not seen those 737s, a friend of mine saw them still in the frontier's colours early this year and he has the registration numbers so I'll ask him and will tell you. I do not really know which routes are going to be used with these planes, I do not follow Inter' steps too often. I still think that 737-200s are not a very good option. I have nothing against them but surely when you look at them at BOG you can't avoid start singing "uno de nosotros...no es como los otros....es diferente de todos los demas...."

Juan
SKBO

soamsky · Tue Feb 10, 2004 5:59 am

What happened to Inter???

This airline used to fly many destination in Colombia, but they have pulled out from different cities, its market has shrunk significantly. I know that after the accident Inter had before arriving to Cartagena, the company didn't go that bad. Inter kept its network for some more years. I know their planes were always pretty full because they really offered pretty good fares. At one point I read they were going to renew fleet with the B717. I'm stunned reading here the type of planes they're getting to renew their fleet: B737-200, DC-9... It seems they really want to be a "chiva" in the skies.

soamsky · Tue Feb 10, 2004 6:13 am

This may be interesting to you.

There is a thread going on there: Brand new Airline just announced! USA

It is a movie called soulplane. http://soulplane.com

Well, the so hot, Sofia Vergara, plays in that movie. It would be worth just to see her Big grin

bio15 · Tue Feb 10, 2004 8:45 am

LOL Juan

I have nothing against them but surely when you look at them at BOG you can't avoid start singing "uno de nosotros...no es como los otros....es diferente de todos los demas...."

I certainly do sing it in my mind when I see the Inter a/c. Smile

I feel bad for these guys, they need to do a serious refurbishment to the airline to get it going the right way.

---
AeroRepublica is doing pretty well, and keeps getting more & more customers since Avianca began having problems. It's a good thing for one, and a bad thing for the other. I just hope it all turns out the right way.

Saludos
-Alfredo

Southamerica · Tue Feb 10, 2004 10:30 am

SoAmSky,

Yes, Inter has shrunk significantly. There network has been reduced to a few destinations like CLO, BOG, CTG and ADZ.

Man, they don't even fly to MDE ! (although competition to BOG from MDE is pretty rough).

SOUTHAMERICA

komododx · Tue Feb 10, 2004 10:42 am

Any news on Aerorepublica getting a different type of A/C for the routes to MIA and CO / KMCO), USA - Florida">MCO? Maybe A320?

Wouldn't it maybe make sense for CO, CM, TA, etc. to have a higher interest in Aerorepublica, since they are doing so good?

KdX

Amazonphil · Tue Feb 10, 2004 10:47 am

I've been flying AP for years now..since about 1999, and they are terrific for a small national carrier!! Been flying down to Leticia Colombia where I grew up for 19 years in the Brazil are there.. The've been telling me over the last year or so that they were trying to get into Miami or Orlando

Phil

Amazonphil · Tue Feb 10, 2004 10:50 am

the're website www.aerorepublica.com.co

they are basically an all MD-80 fleet with a couple DC-9's of which were Continental's..I knew because I flew one of our ex-9's from LET-BOG

Southamerica · Tue Feb 10, 2004 12:22 pm

Komododx,

The thing is AeroRepublica is not even being sold. Do you think that the airline's management would offer to sell the one carrier that has registered the fastest growing process in the country, and after having invested so much money in change of planes, image and publicity?? I don't think so.

Besides, they're having a blast with all the ACES' cutbacks, specially with the ones where they're the only airline with nonstop jet service, and where Avianca offers no flights; for example, BOG-BGA (Bucaramanga), AV offers like 7 or 8 daily flights, all operated on Fokker 50, when AeroRepublica offers MD-81 service. On the MDE-ADZ route, although WCA offers daily direct flights via PTY, AeroRepublica offers this flight daily and nonstop, while AV has no service on this route at all. And on the BOG-LET service they are the only carrier aswell.

Amazonphil,

I think the BOG-LET has been totally upgraded now to MD-81/83 aircraft. In fact, I think there is only one DC-9 in the fleet, and is supposed to be retired soon.

View Large View Medium
Click here for bigger photo!

Photo © Andrés Dallimonti Restrepo

View Large View Medium
Click here for bigger photo!

Photo © Andrés Dallimonti Restrepo

SOUTHAMERICA

komododx · Tue Feb 10, 2004 2:08 pm

SOUTHA,

I'm really glad to hear all the good news about AeroRepublica. I remember maybe 7 or 8 years ago (roughly?) I used to hear that they used to be a very unreliable airline, and from friends I heard that they had engine trouble while taxiing to the runway, and had to go back to the gate, in many ocassions.

But it seems that they have really matured, and I'm glad for them. I flew them some years ago BOG-ADZ-BOG for my excursion. (wooo party!) and the service was pretty good. The only thing I noticed was that while I was sitting in the window seat, I touched the panel underneath the seat and it was freezing cold! Is this normal? It was bare metal, right there! The flight actually was delayed +/- 7 hours, but I guess that could be normal since there were dozens of high schools flying from many cities in Colombia to ADZ. Anyway, I'm really happy that they are expanding. I have a good feeling for the airline. Love their c/s!

What I meant when I made the CO, CM, or TA comment, is that it would be nice for them to get a big cash injection and who knows? Maybe become Colombia's new flag carrier! I would love to see those colors in bigger planes in cities accross the US and the EU.

KdX in TLH - FLL

komododx · Tue Feb 10, 2004 2:09 pm

PS. Which is the current livery of AeroRepublica? The ones with the pics that SOUTHA. posted, or the ones with the billboard titles?

KdX

bio15 · Wed Feb 11, 2004 1:23 am

The current livery is the one on the pictures posted by SOUTHAMERICA. The new scheme is beautiful, I think the old livery was not very tasteful.

View Large View Medium
Click here for bigger photo!

Photo © Alex Waning

View Large View Medium
Click here for bigger photo!

Photo © Luis Alberto Montes Restrepo

Aero Republica's change of image has been very notorious. The airline used to be target of criticism and mockery. I recall flying in Aero Republica a long time ago and seeing rusty sheet metal panels exposed. The seats were not very clean, and there were maintainance issues. But now it is a totally different scene and it has gained a lot of customers.

The one thing I have always liked are the on-board meals. It was the first to serve hot meals on national flights and I recall them being delicious. I think they don't give the hot meals anymore, but it's been a long time since I don't fly Aero Republica, mainly Avianca.

-Alfredo

wimpycol · Wed Feb 11, 2004 2:30 am

hola Juan

Thanks for the info!!!
And if you have furter info on it i will see it. The only plane that i love to see in their colors right now is the Dash-8/100 . Do they still got them??? And the route?? I've got a pic of this plane some 2/3 years ago taken from Mc Donald's El Dorado. Nice song for the inter company....
I hope the future will become better for them!

Saludos
Willem Alberto

Komododx
The pic's that Southa showed us are the current livery of AeroRepublica... and they are great!!
What if..they had an B757 or B767????

wimpycol · Wed Feb 11, 2004 2:33 am

Some other news about flights to Colombia this year

I'm not sure or maybe its old news!? (comments are welcome)

AA;
AA wants to resume daily service from Miami to Medellin with planes to revive 2 unused freq. At the moment they have 5 flights a week with B757 equipment.

COPA
COPA relocated its headquarters in BOG to the building of U.S. Citibank on 9 of feb. Copa also wants at least 2 flights a week to Colombia....(is this true???? they already serve BOG and MDE ???) Goverments of Colombia and Panama are holding discussions over a possible expand of service from COPA to Colombia. COPA also will acuire 2 B737-800's this year

Can anybdoy confirm this info?

GRACIAS
Willem

wimpycol · Wed Feb 11, 2004 2:36 am

Hello;
Read this article today in http://eltiempo.com:

http://eltiempo.com/economia/10defebrerode2004/ARTICULO-WEB-_NOTA_INTERIOR-1505790.html (spanish)
So today will be an important day for AV and Colombian aviation!!...please give me some more news on it, (I have to leave the internet now....)

Thanks!
Willem

komododx · Wed Feb 11, 2004 3:38 am

Daag Willem!

All I could find is this:

http://www.larepublica.com.co/noticia.php?id_notiweb=8317&id_subseccion=70&template=noticia&fecha=2004-02-10_1:22pm

So what if AV is liquidated? When will we know more news about the potential "buyers" of AV?

KdX

komododx · Wed Feb 11, 2004 3:41 am

I could have sworn that I saw the new AeroRepublica c/s with billboard titles... but I gave it some thought and I think it was a repaint of an MD in FS2002. It looked great though! Once I get back home I'll try to post a pic of it.

KdX

JUANR · Wed Feb 11, 2004 4:20 am

Hola Willem!!

According to aerocivil official page Inter DCH8s are still flying the following routes:

Bogotá-Cali-Pasto
Cali-Bogota
Pasto-Cali
Bogotá-Neiva
Neiva-Florencia.

About Copa, they have daily flights from/to PTY to/from BOG, MDE and CLO and also a daily flight PTY-CTG-BAQ-PTY. So They have a huge presence here in Colombia

By the way, it is official, Aerocontinente has upgraded the aircraft they use to fly to BOG, it was a 727-100 and now it is a 767-200!!! That is great, another widebody in BOG!!

Juan
SKBO

[Edited 2004-02-10 20:24:12]

COPA737 · Wed Feb 11, 2004 4:25 am

Copa Airlines fly to Bogota, Cartagena, Medellin, Cali and Barranquilla.

And yes, they want to add a second frequency to Bogota. Right now they are using a 737-800 for that route.

Regards,

Felipe

bongo · Wed Feb 11, 2004 5:22 am

What I know about Copa (Sorry, it is not the topic) is that they are growing so fast, and they will need an expansion in they hub in PTY. I'm a frequent flyer and I'm suffering the consequences of a small airport!!!

Southamerica · Wed Feb 11, 2004 10:27 am

Wimpy,

It's not to burst your bubble, but all those AA news were already made public.

In Colombia, AA is going from 5xweek to daily on their MIA-MDE-MIA flight.

They are also resuming their third daily to BOG in 757 aircraft.

Regards,

SOUTHAMERICA

COPA737 · Wed Feb 11, 2004 10:32 am

Bongo,

You are completly right. There are plans for the New Tocumen, they are talking about a new Terminal and adding 7 gates to the Actual Terminal. I have a small picture of how its going to look like. I can email to you.

Regards,

Felipe

Amazonphil · Wed Feb 11, 2004 10:34 am

SouthAmerica,

YEs they do use the MD-83 for the LET-BOG route. THe last DC-9 that I flew that route on was in 2001.

THanks for the plug..

Phil

b752fanatic · Wed Feb 11, 2004 11:21 am

I dont know, but when the word "Expand" is used by an airline when they begin new services for me the meaning of that word is "Bankruptcy".

Why dont they stick with the strategy that have helped them succeed?

Aces went down because of the sames reason: GREED.

Southamerica · Wed Feb 11, 2004 12:14 pm

B752fanatic,

I agree completely on what you said.

But, I think you, and all of you guys are misunderstanding what's really happening here.

AeroRepublica only received the aproval from the government to operate these routes. But, the president of the company himself said that AeroRepublica, not even in dreams would dare to open all those routes at once.

The president of the company stated that the opening of the routes was going to be a slow and analized process, starting with the most profitable markets.

The new international expansion is going to be done when, and only when the company is absolutely able to handle international operations, and when all the proper market analisis has been done.

So, it seems that they know what they're doing.

I repeat, AeroRepublica only receive the aproval to fly the routes, but their option if they finally start them or not.

SOUTHAMERICA

Southamerica · Wed Feb 11, 2004 12:41 pm

Just as additional information and for those of you who want to know more about the company, here is a summary of all AeroReublica's operations for March 2004:

(All the following flights are operated by MD-81 and MD-83 aircraft)

Their hub operations:

BOG-MDE(Medellin) ----- 7 daily flights.
BOG-CLO(Cali) ----- 7 daily flights.
BOG-BAQ(Barranquilla) ----- 3 daily flights.
BOG-CTG(Cartagena) ----- 3 daily flights.
BOG-BGA(Bucaramanga) ----- 3 daily flights.
BOG-SMR(Santa Marta) ----- 2 daily flights.
BOG-MON(Monteria) ----- 2 daily flights.
BOG-ADZ(San Andres Is) ----- 1 daily flights (increases in weekends and high season)
BOG-LET(Leticia) ----- 1 daily flight.

Operations outside their hub:

MDE-ADZ ----- 1 daily flight.
CLO-CTG-ADZ ----- 1 daily flight.
BAQ-ADZ ----- 1 daily flight.

So, if you look closely, you see that they definitely are the biggest carrier to/from San Andres Island (ADZ), operating daily flights to the island from Medellin, Bogota, Cali, Cartagena and Barranquilla.

Hope this info helps for the thread.

PS: There is still one DC-9 left on the fleet which is sometimes used for some routes, specially when the other equipment is being used totally.

SOUTHAMERICA

MAH4546 · Wed Feb 11, 2004 12:46 pm

It's not to burst your bubble, but all those AA news were already made public.

In Colombia, AA is going from 5xweek to daily on their MIA-MDE-MIA flight.

They are also resuming their third daily to BOG in 757 aircraft.

Just to note, but the increased service to Medellin will only operate between 10 June 2004 and 30 August 2004. Then it is back to 5 weekly flights (why, I don't know, because this route can support daily service). The new Bogota frequeny is year-round.

Thomas_Jaeger · Wed Feb 11, 2004 6:01 pm

Anybody knows how West Caribbean is doing, I heard they were interested in adding more regional aircraft, most likely ATRs?

soamsky · Thu Feb 12, 2004 3:58 am

"Aces went down because of the sames reason: GREED."

I don't buy that for a second. If any, you can say their airbuses was the cause of its debacle as it is alleged that operation cost for this type of aircraft was too high for Colombia's network, also that lease contract was too expensive for the current crisis in aviation.

Explain to me, what were these destinations Aces were expanding to that led them to bankrupt?

I remember SOUTHAMERICA once wrote that when Aces was operating at Rionegro, its hub, no other airline would dare to get even close. They were king in Medellin, the second largest city and one of the most prosper.

Finally, Aces shot down covered a lot of media attention for a while. It is been said by the minority stock holders that in all previous meetings before Posada announced the shoot down of the company, they were shown and assured how magnificently Aces was doing. Hence, It is clear to me there was wrong doing and conceal within the upper management to take Aces to where it finally went.

P.D. I'm very sad Aces ceased operation. IMO, it was the best airline company in Colombia.

Southamerica · Thu Feb 12, 2004 4:52 am

SoAmSky,

Actually when I wrote that no other airline would dare to walk through ACES' domain, I was referring to EOH (Medellin's Domestic Airport) and not to MDE.

While EOH was a true hub for ACES, they only operated the ATRs and Twin Otters here. In MDE, where the A320s flew, ACES never had that much of a presence to be called to dominant player.

In the days when ACES was apparently in good shape, they only operated these routes from MDE:

MDE-BOG like 8 daily
MDE-CLO 2 daily
MDE-CTG 1 daily
MDE-BAQ 1 daily
MDE-MIA 1 daily

and that was basically it.

I've also heard that what killed ACES were the A320s, but I cannot confirm that.

And I've also heard the other version of the story, that ACES was killed by its own greed to expand internationally very fast.

SOUTHAMERICA

wimpycol · Thu Feb 12, 2004 7:32 am

Hola Juan!!

Thanks again for the info and the source! I didn't knew that the Aerocivil site gives this kind of info.
So Inter fly Bogota-Cali-Pasto. Isn't AV and SAM doing the same route but with F50's. I remember this after my trip to Cali 3 years ago

Nice update on Aerocontinente!!!!
I liked their 727's but YES it's great to see a new widebody in BOG!!!!
Does it got the same gate "C5"like the 727's had???

Chao,
Willem Alberto

wimpycol · Thu Feb 12, 2004 7:35 am

hola Felipe,

Thanks for the info,
So if Copa will do 2 daily flights to BOG, will they use also the 737-800?
and when will they get the 2 new ones?

Willem Alberto

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