DECEMBER 2015–JANUARY 2016 55 CUSTOMER PROFILE A new, modern and growing airline has risen in the Andes Mountains, and it is helping the people of Bolivia become more connected with one another and with the world—on the wings of Boeing airplanes. Boliviana de Aviacion (BoA) began service in March 2009 with two leased 737-300s, connecting the Bolivian cities of Cochabamba, La Paz and Santa Cruz. By the end of that year, the airline was serving six destinations within Bolivia. The following year, BoA launched its first international routes, opening service to Buenos Aires in May and São Paulo in November. In 2012, the airline launched its first routes outside South America, with service to Madrid and Miami. Since its launch only six years ago, BoA has achieved extraordinary growth. The airline operated about 3,300 flights in 2009 and by 2014 was flying more than 23,000. It carried about 260,000 passengers in its first year, and more than 2.2 million in 2014. With nearly full flights, the airline has an opportunity for further growth, according to Ronald Casso, the airline’s CEO. “Boliviana de Aviacion is dedicated to helping our country achieve success in the key elements of a national commercial aviation industry—safety, transparency, quality and strong management,” Casso said. “BoA will contribute significantly to helping our country achieve its strategic targets and to the well-being of all Bolivians by offering high-quality, reliable air services.” Boliviana de Aviacion now operates an all-Boeing fleet of 18 airplanes, including 10 737 Classics, three Next-Generation 737-700s, two Next-Generation 737-800s and three 767-300ERs (Extended Range). That fleet continues a 60-year relationship between Boeing and Bolivia, going back to Lloyd Aereo Boliviano’s acquisition of C-47 and DC-3 airplanes in 1945 from Douglas Aircraft, a Boeing heritage company. Casso explained that BoA launched with the help of the Bolivian government, which understands the strategic importance of commercial aviation in helping the nation and its 10.5 million inhabitants grow their economy and connection to the world. BoA’s growth shows its commitment to the people and economy of Bolivia, said Van Rex Gallard, vice president, Sales, Latin America, Africa & Caribbean, for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “BoA and Bolivians understand that growing commercial aviation and growing a nation’s economy go hand in hand,” Gallard said. “Commercial aviation and a growing economy feed one another. Every dollar that aviation directly brings to a country’s gross domestic product generates four dollars more indirectly, and for every job directly created by aviation, there are seven more created indirectly. “We take great pride in partnering with Boliviana de Aviacion,” he added, “and we are dedicated to helping them grow with all of Bolivia for years to come.” n JIM.PROULX@BOEING.COM` Illustration: Boliviana de Aviacion uses the Next-Generation 737 and other Boeing jetliners to connect Bolivian cities such as La Paz (shown) with the world. BOEING Growth takes off With an all-Boeing fleet, Bolivia’s national airline is experiencing tremendous growth BY JIM PROULX
Frontiers December 2015 - January 2016 Issue
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