Avianca flies to China for the first time since 1956

Avianca carried out a flight to China for the first time since 1956 as part of an operation to move medical supplies to Colombia.

The Boeing 787 flight departed from Bogotá, stopping in Los Angeles and Tokyo before landing in Shanghai, where it arrived on April 29, and will return to Colombia on May 2.

In the airline’s 100 years, this is the second time the airline has landed in China after a DC4 plane made a stopover in this Asian country going to Sydney for the 1956 Olympics.

Avianca Cargo said that the flight will now operate three times a week, with departures from Bogotá on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and returns from Shanghai on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Avianca Cargo managing director Kurt Schosinsky said: “It is the first time that the company has performed a cargo flight to China, and we will continue to operate this route to bring medical supplies and protective equipment from China, among other products that will undoubtedly be very useful in Latin America in this difficult situation.

“At Avianca, we will continue to do everything we can using all our technical and human resources at our disposal to contribute to maintaining the supply chain and the world economy active.”

To date, the airline has completed 60 special flights mobilizing more than 3,850 people and transporting more than 50,800 tons on cargo flights between different cities in Europe and Latin America.

“In the operation of this flight, which was full of cargo and empty seats, all biosafety and protection protocols for onboard and ground staff were followed,” the airline stated.

The company implemented measures to minimise physical contact, supplied cleaning kits and protective elements to personnel, delivered antibacterial gel, gloves, and digital thermometers, alcohol, as well as towels for cleaning accessories before and during the flight, in addition to the disinfection processes of aircraft and offices.