VIASA (Venezolana Internacional de Aviacion SA)

  1 April 1961 to 23 January 1997

  Venezuela

TYPE: Airline

IATA/ICAO CODES: VA / VIA

HEADQUARTERS: Caracas, Venezuela

FORMER NAME: Nil

SUBSEQUENT NAME: Nil

VIASA was envisioned by the government of Venezuela in 1959 to create a new company that could serve as the country's flag carrier and run without government intervention. It was set up in 1960 when the international routes operated by LAV (Linea Aeropostal Venezolana) and AVENSA were merged and taken over by the newly created carrier. The government contributed with 55% of the capital, while private investors — among which were LAV and AVENSA — contributed with the remainder. The board of directors came entirely from the private sector.

In April 1961, the airline started operating to Europe, with the operational support of KLM.

After years of continuously loosing money, VIASA finally closed down in 1997.

November 1979*

The bulk of its flights were long-haul to the USA and Europe, undertaken by jets, however VIASA also operated a few Commandos. It also leased a Commando from LAV for a short period.

• Curtiss C-46A-45-CU Commando: YV-C-AMN (leased)