After Aerocivil annulled the first refusal that it gave to the business integration request that it requested from Avianca and Viva Air, due to «a substantial irregularity in the administrative action process,» the low-cost airline assured that this decision leaves a light of hope for its permanence in the market.
In addition, Viva Air reiterated that this operation is the «unique option to obtain financing capital that allows it to continue its operation and provision of the essential public service».
(Also read: They confirm the nullity of the integration process between Avianca and Viva: What’s next?)
«The detailed review of the resolution issued by the Authority, on the nullity of the process that denied the integration, opens the doors to a new and detailed analysis by the Aerocivil legal team, which we are sure will be able to demonstrate, as evidenced by the material sent and the conditions provided, which the best decision is to approve the alliance with Avianca«, he added.
The airline stated that this is the only alternative for its continued presence in the market, that of its brand, and especially, that of the low-cost model.
«Time is now the main challenge for the survival of Viva, since the opportunity with which the decision is made is essential given the imperative need for cashthat urges the day-to-day operation and puts at risk being able to meet the nearly 25,000 passengers that it transports daily to its 28 destinations,” he added.
Viva Air also called on the National Government to make a decision in the very short termbecause «Aerocivil already has all the evidence at its disposal.»
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Meanwhile, Avianca and its shareholders reiterated their firm conviction that the rescue of Viva is necessary, that it would benefit passengers, employees and the connectivity and economy of the country’s regions.
«Avianca will act in accordance with the decision of the authority to seek a solution to the situation of Vivaand is willing to provide all the information that is required to expedite the final decision, trusting in the strong institutionality of the country and in the speed of the process, as announced by the competent authority,» he said.
After the announcement of the Aerocivil, a new process is not going to start, nor should a new application be submitted. The request is the same and what the Civil Aeronautics will do is review it again at the Directorate of Air Transport and Aero-Commercial Affairs, but under the framework of the Colombian free competition regulations.
