Avianca chooses Airbus

Avianca became an Airbus customer for the first time yesterday with an order for 33 A319s/A320s and five A330-200s collectively valued at nearly $3 billion, plus options for 27 A319s/A320s and five A330-200s. AV Chairman German Efromovich said the order signals a “new era” for the Colombian carrier, touting the “unbeatable economics” of the aircraft as well as fleet commonality. Delivery dates and engine choices were not released. Avianca and its SAM subsidiary currently operate five 757-200s, four 767-200s, one 767-300, 15 MD-83s and 10 F50s. It announced an order for 10 firm 787s plus 10 purchase rights two months ago