VivaColombia, the new start-up low-cost carrier in Colombia, chooses A J Walter Aviation to provide component power-by-the-hour support for its fleet of A320 aircraft

July 2, 2012

Miami, 2 July 2012:   Colombian based low-cost airline VivaColombia, established in association with Irelandia, IAMSA, Colombian Group Bolivar and Grupo FAST, has chosen A J Walter Aviation, the world’s leading independent aircraft specialist, to provide component power-by-the-hour support.

Starting with three A320s, VivaColombia expects the fleet to grow to five aircraft within 12 months.  Based at Medellin, the airline will initially fly to the popular destinations of Bogota and Cartagena, other domestic routes will quickly follow.

As the first true low-cost airline in Colombia, VivaColombia’s operative strategy is designed to stimulate local travel and tourism across the country. Fred Jacobsen, President of VivaColombia, comments. “We have been impressed by the support that A J Walter Aviation has provided to our colleagues at VivaAerobus in Mexico for the past 18 months.  Their valuable experience will provide the perfect level of service for our start-up, we can rely on them to ensure the punctuality and performance of our airline fleet”.

AJW will support these aircraft from its Miami based operation which comprises service ready Airbus component inventories, plus a Main Base Kit located in Medellin.  AJW has recently invested more than US$25m in inventory to support an increasing number of operators and MRO facilities across the Americas, including a significant A320/A330 capability out of its hub in Los Angeles.  “As a low-cost carrier VivaColombia know the importance of getting and providing value for money” explains Matt Millbank, VP Business Development for AJW.  “Our customer support team in Miami will be the first point of contact to manage AJW’s comprehensive service which is designed to enable VivaColombia to stay competitive in their crucial formative years and beyond.”

“We are stepping up our activities in North America and already support several airlines with lease, pooling and PBH solutions” says Boris Wolstenholme, Chief Executive of A J Walter Aviation.  “We are delighted to be supporting VivaColombia in its plans to vigorously develop a low cost route network and we will do everything we can to help the airline meet its objectives”.

AJW’s new contract with VivaColombia once again underlines the outstanding value for money and excellent customer service that is embodied within AJW PBH support contracts.  These support contracts offer wide and flexible component coverage; expert advice and recommendations on minimising home base stock requirements; and world class logistics, including AJW’s highly regarded 24/7 AOG service. Serving a global base of more than 800 airlines with over 400 aircraft under contract, AJW is the ideal partner for airlines and MRO organisations requiring fully integrated support solutions and seeking to achieve competitive advantage.