Three questions to Ronald Casso, CEO Boliviana de Aviación

For this edition of Noticias Airbus, we sat down with the CEO of the newest Airbus operator in Latin America, Boliviana de Aviación (BoA), to learn more about their business model, and the role of the A330 in their growth plans.

1. What is the key to Boliviana de Aviación's success in Bolivia as a flag carrier?

Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) was founded with the purpose of further promoting the Bolivian air travel market by improving connectivity in the country. We are proud to note that Bolivian air passenger traffic grew by 263 percent in the last 12 years, from 1.2 million passengers in 2009 to 4.4 million by the end of 2022. With an 80 percent market share, we are the leading operator in the country, thanks to the hard work of BoA’s team, the opening of new routes and industrial development.

2. Why have you selected the A330-200 for BoA’s widebody fleet renewal?

We are sure the A330-200 is the best choice in its class for our fleet modernization and renewal, as a member of the world’s highest-density airliner in its category A330 Family. With more than 1,700 in operation, the A330 boosts a proven robust technology ensuring a successful entry into service. 

Prior to acquiring a new aircraft, BoA carries out a comprehensive research and evaluation, including all costs (maintenance, fuel consumption, cost of ownership/leasing, insurance options), transition and entry into service manufacturer's support, as well as all operational and commercial conditions. The A330-200s offer better monthly return in both peak and off-peak seasons, minimizing BoA's exposure to high ownership and operating costs. Risk exposure is a key factor, i.e., you cannot expect to have the best technology or the best aircraft unless you are able to afford the associated costs.

3. What is BoA's growth strategy and how will the A330 help you achieve it?

As part of its expansion plans, BoA will open the Asuncion - Paraguay, Santiago - Chile and Bogota - Colombia routes in the short and medium term. The addition of these destinations to the Boliviana de Aviación route network will allow BoA to strengthen international operations to and from Bolivia through the Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, while offering passengers direct connections, including Miami and Madrid, operated by the A330s.

The A330-200 is the ideal choice for BoA. Selecting the right aircraft means choosing the right size for the market served, and the size of the A330-200 is the right fit for Bolivian air traffic today, while ensuring future growth in the country's tourism industry, providing a 30 percent increase in terms of available seating - in comparison with our current long range fleet- as well as greater comfort and a better passenger experience.