AviancaTaca, which includes subsidiary AeroGal of Ecuador, has signed a purchase agreement for 33 Airbus A320neo and 18 A320 family aircraft.

The new aircraft will support AviancaTaca’s expansion into new markets in Latin America, while keeping the airline’s fleet among the youngest in the region.

“With this order AviancaTaca and our subsidiaries will continue the modernization process that includes fleet renewal as its primary focus,” said Fabio Villegas, president of AviacaTaca.

“Our goal is to offer travellers the most comfortable and efficient aircraft in the market, and we are proud that the A320neo aircraft is recognized for its eco-efficiency and cutting-edge technology.”

AviancaTaca has placed firm orders for 190 Airbus aircraft (including the latest 51) and has currently 88 A320 Family aircraft and eight A330 in service.

AviancaTaca operates the entire A320 family, namely the A318, A319, A320 and A321 aircraft.

The A320neo has over 95 per cent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range.

The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family entering into service from 2015 and incorporates latest generation engines and large Sharklet wing tip devices, which Airbus says will together deliver 15 per cent in fuel savings.

The reduction in fuel burn is equivalent to 1.4 million litres of fuel - the consumption of 1,000 mid size cars, saving 3,600 tonnes of C02 per aircraft per year. The A320neo NOx emissions are 50 per cent below CAEP/6, and this aircraft also has a considerably smaller noise footprint.