Avensa History: Venezuela's Airline, 1943–2004 – Airline Employee Shop

Avensa History

Avensa started in 1943 as a Venezuelan cargo airline backed by Pan Am, became one of the country's main domestic carriers, and faded away in the early 2000s. Here's a short history of Avensa, plus the Avensa collection that celebrates it.

Founding and early years (1943–1955)

Aerovías Venezolanas S.A., better known as Avensa, was founded on May 13, 1943, by Venezuelan businessman Andrés Boulton Pietri together with Pan American World Airways. It began as a cargo airline, and its first flights that December used Ford Tri-Motors and Stinson Reliants. Passenger service started in 1944 with Lockheed 10A twins, and Douglas DC-3s soon became the backbone of the fleet.

Growth and jets (1955–1976)

Convair 340s arrived in 1955 for a new service to Miami. In 1964 Avensa bought a single Sud Caravelle jet, and Convair 580 turboprops joined in 1966. Avensa also combined its international routes with Línea Aeropostal Venezolana to create Viasa, in which it held a 45 percent stake. In 1973, with the airline in bankruptcy, Henry Lord Boulton took control. In 1976 Pan Am sold its 30 percent holding in Avensa to the Venezuelan government.

Boeing years and Servivensa (late 1970s–1990s)

By the late 1980s Avensa flew about two dozen Boeing 727s, which replaced earlier DC-9s. A renewal program also brought 737s and two Boeing 757s. Under Henry Lord Boulton, the company set up a subsidiary, Servivensa, which took over aircraft and crews and eventually grew larger than its parent. After Viasa collapsed in 1997, Avensa picked up many international routes and flew DC-10-30s to Europe.

Decline (2002–2004)

Financial trouble mounted, and Avensa went bankrupt in 2002. Santa Barbara Airlines took over its routes. The last Avensa-branded aircraft, an Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia, was grounded in 2004, and operations formally ended on December 31, 2004.

A few things collectors love

  • The Pan Am connection. Pan Am helped found Avensa and held a stake for more than three decades.
  • Avensa was a parent of Viasa, Venezuela's international flag carrier.
  • A fleet that ran from Ford Tri-Motors to DC-10s in about 55 years.

Shop Avensa

Browse Avensa logo T-shirts, coffee mugs, coasters, tote bags and vintage designs in the Avensa collection. Add an airline bag tag or key tag for anyone who remembers flying around Venezuela with Avensa.

AirlineEmployeeShop.com is an independent retailer of airline memorabilia. This page is for historical interest.