Avianca seeks approval for two new domestic routes in Ecuador

Avianca has formally applied to Ecuador's Dirección General de Aviación Civil for permits to operate two new domestic routes: Quito–Santa Rosa and Cuenca–Guayaquil. The carrier said the plan would raise its domestic capacity in the country by 30 percent, according to the airline.

The Quito–Santa Rosa link is intended to connect El Oro province directly with the capital. The Cuenca–Guayaquil sector is aimed at strengthening links between two of the country's main commercial, economic and tourism centres. Juan Francisco Ortiz, Avianca's country officer in Ecuador, said Santa Rosa is a key point for the south of the country because of its productive activity and geographic position, while the Cuenca–Guayaquil axis sustains a steady flow of business, academic and tourism traffic.

Both routes would be flown with aircraft from the A320 family, with one daily flight on each. The flights would offer Business Class Americas, the product already used on all of the airline's domestic routes in Ecuador. The application is pending before the regulator.