Avianca strengthens its air network with a significant reduction in its carbon footprint

In a sector where growth is often directly linked to increased emissions, Avianca's recent performance stands out. Since 2019, the company has recorded a reduction of nearly 20% in its carbon intensity, going from 82.6 grams of CO₂ per available seat kilometer to 66.3 grams—a level of improvement that very few airlines worldwide have achieved.

According to data from EmeraldSky, this progress coincides with a sustained expansion of operations. Over the past five years, total capacity has grown by 18.1%, while absolute emissions have decreased by 5.1%, an unusual combination in commercial aviation, where historically both variables have evolved in the same direction.

A transformed fleet

The foundation of this result lies in a profound fleet transformation. The company significantly reduced its Airbus A319 fleet and completely retired the A321s, replacing them with a larger number of A320neos and additional A320ceos, which offer improved fuel efficiency. On long-haul flights, older A330s were progressively replaced by Boeing 787s, while regional jet and turboprop operations were discontinued to simplify the fleet structure and prioritize more efficient models.

This process allowed for an increase in the average aircraft size. In 2019, the average was 144 seats per aircraft, a figure that has now risen to 181, following the comprehensive reconfiguration of the short- and long-haul fleet. Although the average age increased slightly to nine and a half years, in a global context marked by supply chain constraints, operational efficiency showed a sustained improvement.

More capacity, less impact

By 2024, the level of air traffic was similar to that of 2019, but with significantly greater capacity generation, driven by larger aircraft and somewhat longer average routes. The elimination of turboprop flights prevented a significant increase in total operating time, even though the average distance traveled increased.

The result was an 18.1% increase in available seat kilometers along with a 5.1% reduction in total emissions. The combination of these two factors explains the marked drop in carbon intensity, which ranks among the most significant in the sector globally.

A benchmark for responsible growth

Avianca's experience demonstrates that it is possible to expand air operations while simultaneously reducing environmental impact. This path requires firm decisions in fleet planning, the early retirement of less efficient aircraft, and a long-term strategic vision focused on optimization.

While the environmental challenge of aviation remains open, the results achieved reflect how consistent execution and a clear strategy can redefine the relationship between growth and sustainability within the industry.