In an innovative twist for the aviation sector in Colombia, the newly created Mexican airline Alma requested permission from the Civil Aeronautics to begin operations, specifically, in the Caribbean Coast area.
Under the initiative led by Irelandia Aviation, the company aims to revolutionize tourism and the provision of medical services in remote regions of the country through the use of seaplanes, a form of air transport that allows takeoffs and landings on both land and water. With a capacity designed to transport between nine and eleven passengers, These devices promise to be a unique competitive advantage, opening doors to little-explored tourist destinations and facilitating urgent medical evacuations.
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The airline’s goal is to begin operating these personalized charter services at the end of 2024, hoping to directly benefit both the tourism sector and the well-being of communities located in difficult-to-access locations. The company plans to move more than 1,200 passengers monthly to emblematic destinations on the Caribbean Coast, including Barú, Playa Blanca, the Rosario Islands, Mompox, Palomino, Puerto Colombia, Cabo de la Vela, Punta Gallinas and Valledupar, among others.
Alma’s commercial director, Rupert Stebbings, highlighted that the vision behind this initiative is to contribute to a unique, personalized and exciting way of tourism in Colombia.
“Too often, tourists cannot reach destinations they have seen on the Internet or even time constraints do not allow for that additional adventure,” he commented, highlighting the intention to transform the way both locals and foreigners experience the natural wealth and culture of the country.
Beyond tourism, Alma also aims to support the Ministry of health in crucial medical evacuation operations. This approach is particularly significant in areas where access to specialized medical services is limited, or where emergencies require rapid responses that can only be provided through air transportation.
The company’s choice of seaplanes not only indicates a differentiated proposal in the Colombian aviation market, but also marks a turning point towards the exploration of more versatile modes of transportation adapted to the geographic and social needs of the country. With this initiative, It is expected not only to open new tourist routes but also to strengthen emergency response capabilities in remote regions.
The arrival of this to the Colombian aeronautical scene is not only promising for the new travel experiences it proposes but also for the potential positive impact on the medical care of communities located in places that are difficult to access.
“This service is especially relevant in remote areas where access to medical care may be limited,” emphasized Rupert Stebbings, highlighting the social commitment of the initiative.
On April 9, 2024, the Ethiopian Airlines Group Sucursal Colombia operator obtained authorization from Civil Aeronautics for the operation of international cargo air services, to operate to and from Colombia at the El Dorado Airport, one of the terminals with the highest traffic in load in the world.
The routes are as follows:
- Addis Ababa – Liege – Zaragoza – Mexico – Bogotá – Miami – Liege – Addis Ababa with one (1) weekly frequency and traffic rights of up to fifth freedom of the air.
- Addis Ababa – Liege – Zaragoza – Miami – Bogotá – Quito** – Miami – Liege Addis Ababa with one (1) weekly frequency and traffic rights of up to fifth freedom of the air. This authorization does not include the exercise of commercial traffic rights between Bogotá and Miami..
- Addis Ababa – Zaragoza – Miami – Bogotá – Miami – Liege – Addis Ababa, with a weekly frequency and traffic rights of up to fifth freedom of the air.
This announcement represents the fulfillment of agreements that were part of a visit to that continent during 2023, under the leadership of Vice President Francia Márquez, and today sees tangible results in terms of binational cooperation.
Ethiopian Airlines is one of the largest airline operators in Africa and has generated links with Colombia in order to encourage cargo mobility.
Likewise, this important news confirms Colombia as one of the countries that, with preparation and openness, is seen in the world as a destination that boosts the economy, as well as the expansion of the coverage network in the volume of cargo with the arrival of Ethiopian Airlines.
Civil Aeronautics highlights this announcement and celebrates the interest of companies in the aeronautical sector to provide their services in “the country of beauty” with the confidence of a connected, safe and sustainable institutional environment, supported by a renewed infrastructure, a strengthened industry and excellent human talent.
