When it comes to Central and South America, there are two “powerhouse” airlines — Avianca and LATAM. Both airlines have hubs in several countries. One of Avianca’s quickly growing operations is Avianca Brasil, which is based in Brasil, as the name suggests.
Up until now the airline has primarily operated domestic flights, and they have a fleet of 50 aircraft. However, over time they’re planning on adding longhaul routes, as they have three A330s in their fleet, and 10 A350-900s on order, which they’ll start taking delivery of in 2020.
In June Avianca Brasil launched their first longhaul flight from Sao Paulo to Miami, which was a great new option for those looking to redeem miles between the US and Sao Paulo. Now Avianca Brasil has announced their second US route.
As of December 15, 2017, Avianca Brasil will launch daily flights between New York and Sao Paulo. The flights will operate with the following schedule, per @airlineroute:
O68500 Sao Paulo to New York JFK departing 11:45PM arriving 6:45AM (+1 day)
O68501 New York JFK to Sao Paulo departing 11:30PM arriving 12:30PM (+1 day)
The flight will be operated using an Airbus A330-200 aircraft, which feature 237 seats, including 32 business class seats and 205 economy seats.
Business class will consist of reverse herringbone seats, in a 1-2-1 configuration. This is awesome news, as it looks like the hard product will be similar to what Avianca has on their 787s (which I reviewed last year from Los Angeles to Bogota and Bogota to Madrid).
As of now it looks like Avianca has loaded two business class award seats on this flight almost every single date through the end of the schedule, including over peak season dates. Interestingly the same was true for the new flight to Miami, though nowadays award availability isn’t nearly as good on that flight anymore.
Do note, however, that most programs don’t show all Avianca Brasil award availability online, which is annoying. However, if you call, most programs should hopefully be able to see the space, as it’s most definitely there. Otherwise if you wait a while, there’s a chance systems will be updated to show the availability as well.
It’s great to see more competition between New York and Sao Paulo. With oneworld basically dominating the US to Brazil market (between American and LATAM), it’s nice to see a Star Alliance carrier competing.
I really need to try Avianca Brasil sometime soon.
Does anyone plan on taking this new Avianca route between New York and Sao Paulo?
Michael,
Gol is pretty much a domestic or perhaps regional airline with very limited international routes. You can reach pretty much everywhere in Americas and Europe via Avianca. Only operating 737 whilst Avianca does A330’s and 787 is a different ball game.Gol might transport more pax due to Brazil population but in terms of scope they are not comparable
Time for a head-to-head comparison between Avianca and LATAM?
YES visit sao paulo again and review all the incredible lounges at the new Terminal 3 at GRU
Avianca have to merge Amigo (Avianca Brasil) with LifeMiles (rest of Avianca), otherwise is a really confusing program.
Is very strange to see LifeMiles you've bought not even useful to Avianca flights.
What's the logic behind keeping the plane on the ground in New York so long? I can see why they'd want an overnight in both directions, but surely it could leave much earlier and arrive in the morning?
If ur gonna write about this can you please also write about Icelandair to Dallas?
Nice that Star is now re-entering the Brazil to New York market
Avianca Brasil also started GRU - SCL twice daily one of the flights operated by A330 and today started SSA - BOG. In addition, introduced a third Daisy GRU - BOG.
Just some corrections:
1. The second powerhouse in the region in fact is GOL, which is the biggest airline in Brazil and the second biggest in the region (measured by pax/number). GOL. Is alligned to Skyteam and Delta holds soares in GOL;
2. Oceanair...
Avianca Brasil also started GRU - SCL twice daily one of the flights operated by A330 and today started SSA - BOG. In addition, introduced a third Daisy GRU - BOG.
Just some corrections:
1. The second powerhouse in the region in fact is GOL, which is the biggest airline in Brazil and the second biggest in the region (measured by pax/number). GOL. Is alligned to Skyteam and Delta holds soares in GOL;
2. Oceanair Brazil which became Avianca Brasil bought Avianca holding so much that Avianca holding current CEO is the previous CEO of Oceanair Brazil.
@lucky is the life miles online booking function down? It does not seem to be the usual set up.
As for now United only shows Saver Award in economy for this flight. On a side note, I would like to see how Avianca Brasil works out in Star Alliance. While United has been strengthening its tie with Avianca group (I guess something to do with Copa seeking independence from United), it also holds a traditionally good relationship with Azul, and the latter is now the major shareholder of TAP Portugal, arguably the most important foreign airlines in Brazilian market.
Interesting but for the moment no miles on Avianca Brazil in business class!
Lucky,
Would I be able to redeem life miles for this? If so, are we able to do it online or do we have to call?