Diogo Elias has been appointed chief executive of Avianca Cargo after serving as senior vice president of the airline’s cargo division since 2023.
Elias, who began his new role on 1 May, will lead on Avianca Cargo's plans to expand its fleet, strengthen and diversify its network, develop new markets and advance digitalisation.
He brings over 20 years of experience in strategic, leadership, and commercial roles.
Elias first joined Colombia-based Avianca Airlines in June 2023 as corporate vice president. He then became senior vice president of Avianca Cargo in September 2023, carrying out this job until taking up his current role.
Prior to joining Avianca, Elias had worked in a number of differnt sectors, but instrumental to his airline experience was nearly nine years spent at LATAM Airlines, latterly as sales and managing director.
Avianca said of Elias: "His management and leadership have led to significant advancements in consolidating a consistent service portfolio, expanding the network, and growing strategic markets such as the United States, where the company reached a historic milestone with a record number of direct connections from Miami, offering 25 destinations."
I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as CEO of Avianca Cargo," said Elias in a LinkedIn post on 5 May.
Last month, Medellin Airport (MDE)-headquartered Avianca established a Special Prorate Agreement (SPA) with TAAG Angola Airlines to collaborate on air cargo.
