Avianca (Bogotá) has announced plans to secure longterm wet-lease capacity from Omni Air International (OY, Tulsa International). In its application to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for a Statement of Authorization, Omni said it would use B767-200/300 aircraft, to cover South America-United States route obligations on behalf of Avianca.
"At present, a flight schedule beyond mid-January 2018 has not been finalized, however, Omni anticipates that operation of flights under the parties’ agreement will exceed the 60-day limit for short-term wet-leases," it said.
Initial services will cover Bogotá-New York JFK and are to commence from December 14, 2017.
Avianca's widebody operations were significantly affected by an industrial strike held earlier this half of the year. The loss of available crews forced the carrier to wet-lease in aircraft to cover some of its long-haul operations.
Although the majority of Avianca’s local pilots voted to end a seven-week strike and return to work in mid-November, a Supreme Court ruling last week deemed the industrial action to be illegal.
According to a copy of the ruling seen by El Espectador newspaper, the court's Labour Chamber said that as the pilots provide an essential public service, they are thereby forbidden from embarking on unilateral industrial action given the consequences could negatively affect the entire country.
Given this ruling, Avianca is now entitled to dismiss the almost 700 pilots who participated in the cessation of operations, including those who have trade union immunity.
