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Colombian Startup Ultra Air Eyes $30 Million+ Investment Over 5 Years

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The Colombian startup Ultra Air is close to starting flying and will invest approximately US$30 million in the next five years, carrying over 2.7 million passengers per year. In the next few weeks, we could see Ultra Air’s inaugural commercial flight, as the company is moving forward with its certification process accompanied by the Colombian civil aviation authorities (Aeronáutica Civil).

Colombian Startup Ultra Air Eyes $30 Million+ Investment Over 5 Years
Ultra Air is close to launching flights in Colombia. Photo: Ultra Air

A new carrier on the horizon

It’s been more than a year since businessman William Shaw began the process of launching a new ultra-low-cost carrier in Colombia. The airline’s name is Ultra Air and will operate with Airbus A320 aircraft.

So far, the airline has received at least one Airbus A320, registration N712AV. Ch-aviation expects the airline to receive at least four more planes, registrations HK-5393, N304AV, VT-IDX, and VT-IDY. The first aircraft and the last two previously flew with IndiGo Airlines. Meanwhile, N304AV once operated with Interjet. According to the airline’s CEO, the next two planes will arrive next week.

Ultra Air’s management is currently obtaining the airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC). In the last few weeks, Ultra Air has been posting videos of its certification flights in Colombia, signaling the process is going through.

Nonetheless, Ultra Air hasn’t officially revealed when it may begin flying. Once it happens, it would be the fourth startup to begin operations in Latin America since the COVID-19 pandemic crippled the region. The previous three are Itapemirim Transportes Aereos (Brazil, no longer active), EQUAIR (Ecuador), and RED Air (the Dominican Republic).

A US$30 million investment

As reported recently by local newspapers like La República, the Colombian Government graded Ultra Air as a mega-investment; it is the first time a company in the aeronautical sector in Colombia received that grade.

In the next five years, Ultra Air will invest over US$300 million, developing up to 22,000 direct and indirect jobs. Additionally, Ultra Air expects to handle 2.7 million passengers per year, allowing a 20% average reduction in the ticket prices flying through Colombia. The airline expects to have a fleet of up to 40 aircraft.

María Ximena Lombana, Commerce, Industry, and Tourism Minister in Colombia said,

“Foreign investment is critical because it develops new jobs. Additionally, Ultra Air’s investment will allow connecting Colombia with an even larger route offer.” 

Colombian Startup Ultra Air Eyes $30 Million+ Investment Over 5 Years
The airline is looking to operate flights to these international destinations. Photo: Ultra Air.

Ultra Air’s connectivity

The new carrier will be a low-cost operator. Initially, Ultra Air aims to launch several domestic routes. The airline has already filed permission to operate 29 domestic routes and fly to destinations like San Andrés, Cartagena, Santa Marta, Bogotá, Cali, Medellín, and Bucaramanga.

Ultra Air also expects to fly internationally, although it won’t be during its first year of operations. According to a map provided by the carrier, it will fly from Bogotá and Medellín to nine international destinations. These are Lima (Peru), Quito (Ecuador), Curazao, Aruba, Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), Mexico City, Cancun (Mexico), Miami, and New York (United States).

Finally, Ultra Air is looking to increase Colombia’s aviation market, similar to what Viva Air has done since 2012. When Viva launched operations, the domestic market grew from 12 million passengers per year to 27 million. Ultra Air believes it could help the country get to 50 million travelers annually.

Are you excited about Ultra Air? Would you want to travel with them to Colombia? Let us know in the comments below.

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