From May 15, 2021, Conviasa began to operate flights from Vnukovo International Airport to Caracas (Venezuela).
The aircraft, which arrived from the capital of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, landed at Vnukovo airport, where it was solemnly greeted with a water arch made by using fire hoses. The official delegation of Venezuela at Vnukovo airport was greeted with flowers and souvenirs, and then, as a sign of the launch of a new direction, the guests of honor cut the red ribbon.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Tourism of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Alí Ernesto Padrón Paredes, Head of the Federal Air Transport Agency Alexander Neradko, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Russian Federation Carlos Rafael Faría Tortosa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov, Vice President of Conviasa Airlines Marquez Ramirez Jose Gregorio, as well as Deputy General Director for Commerce at Vnukovo International Airport Anton Kuznetsov, Aviation Commerce Director at Vnukovo International Airport Maxim Shishko.
The head of the Federal Air Transport Agency, Alexander Neradko, congratulated all those present on the opening of regular flights from Caracas, and also added: "On behalf of the aviation authorities of the Russian Federation, I support the decision of the Venezuelan airline Conviasa and the aviation authorities of Venezuela to start flights to Moscow! I wish the Venezuelan airline Conviasa a successful launch! Let it follow by the successful partnership and cooperation with Vnukovo International Airport. Let every step be accompanied by success; let your work be clear and, most importantly, safe. And I would like to wish your passengers a pleasant trip and say: "Fly Conviasa airlines!". Good luck!"
The new route "Caracas - Moscow (Vnukovo) - Caracas" has good potential, both in terms of the development of economic cooperation and cultural exchange between our countries, and as an attractive tourist destination. A regular direct flight will provide an opportunity for Russian travelers to see the sights of Venezuela: Margarita Island, Los Roques archipelago, Canaima National Park, famous for the world's highest Angel Falls. Travel time is 13 hours.
Regular flights "Caracas - Moscow (Vnukovo) - Caracas" will be operated once every two weeks; it is planned up to twice a week in the future. On this route, the airline uses wide-body aircraft Airbus А-340-200 / 300, А-340-500. Thе flight will provide direct connection with Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, using Caracas as international Hub.
Anton Kuznetsov, Deputy General Director for Commerce at Vnukovo International Airport, noted: "The beginning of cooperation with a new airline and the opening of a new route is a significant event for Vnukovo Airport. It is a great honor and joy for us to welcome the honorary guests from Venezuela today and act as a platform for interstate cooperation, look confidently into the future and understand that, despite the still existing restrictions associated with the global pandemic, international air routes are expanding. At the same time, responsibility for the safety of passengers remains at the highest level. The city of Caracas is rich culturally and historically, and I am sure that the new destination will attract a large number of tourists wishing to visit Latin America and will also become a solid link in strengthening friendly relations between Russia and Venezuela."
Despite all the difficulties associated with the epidemiological situation in the world, Vnukovo International Airport is doing everything possible to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection and the safe stay of passengers in the airport complex. Complete disinfection of ventilation and air conditioning systems is carried out regularly, and the frequency of cleaning the building has been increased. Also, there are installed contactless dispensers with hand sanitizers. At the airport, passengers must wear protective masks and gloves. To maintain social distance, special markings are applied on the floor. In Vnukovo, passengers are provided with a sound notification of the necessary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the need to use personal protective equipment, and the observance of social distance. Stands with information about the prevention of coronavirus infection have been installed. All the requirements of Rospotrebnadzor by Vnukovo Airport are fully met.
Conviasa is Venezuela's national flagship carrier, operating both domestic and international flights from the country. Currently, the company's fleet consists of Airbus А-340, Boeing-737-200 aircraft, regional Franco-Italian aircraft ATR 42 and 72, and regional Brazilian jetliners Embraer 190 and 195. Conviasa practices an extremely serious approach to both aviation security issues (check-in for flights from Venezuela opens 4 hours in advance, taking into account the necessary additional security checks and passenger profiling) and the required epidemiological control measures. Currently, there is a mandatory requirement for PCR testing of all flight crew members before each of the flights performed. With the utmost rigor, the carrier also ensures compliance with all applicable entry requirements in Venezuela and the Russian Federation.
Conviasa Airlines and Vnukovo Airport wish passengers a pleasant flight!
Vnukovo International Airport is thankful to its partner, LLC Aeroexpress, for invaluable assistance in organizing the event.