Avianca, the Colombian airline and Star Alliance member, will begin offering direct flights between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Guatemala City’s La Aurora International Airport (GUA) starting June 1st. The route is scheduled as a seasonal service, operating through August 31st.
Expanding Connectivity in Central America
This new route expands Avianca’s presence in North America, where the airline has seen a 12% increase in departures to the U.S. since 2024. The service is designed to meet growing demand for connectivity between key destinations, as stated by Alejandro Benitez, Avianca’s senior vice president of corporate development. The flights will operate four times weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Flight Schedule and Aircraft Details
The flight schedule is as follows:
- SFO to GUA: Departure at 7:45 a.m. (local time), arrival at 2:15 p.m. (local time)
- GUA to SFO: Departure at 1:20 a.m. (local time), arrival at 6:25 a.m. (local time)
Avianca will utilize an Airbus A320 with 180 seats for the route, including its premium Business Class Americas cabin offering extra legroom. The airline also provides onboard amenity kits in this upgraded section. The same aircraft will continue service to El Salvador International Airport (SAL), ensuring one-stop connectivity for passengers.
Booking Options and Frequent Flyer Programs
Passengers can book Avianca flights using points and miles through several rewards programs:
- Avianca LifeMiles: 1:1 transfer from American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, and Citi ThankYou Rewards.
- United MileagePlus: Search for partner awards via Star Alliance.
- Air Canada Aeroplan: Another Star Alliance partner for booking awards.
Strategic Growth in North America
Avianca’s expansion includes not just new routes but also infrastructure improvements, such as the recent opening of a new airport lounge in Miami in partnership with TAP Air Portugal. This reinforces the airline’s commitment to strengthening its international network with reliable and efficient service.
This new seasonal route further solidifies Avianca’s position as a key player in connecting North and Central America, providing additional travel options for both leisure and business travelers.
