Colombia gives go-ahead to Avianca-Viva merger

Colombian authorities have approved the proposed merger of Avianca and bankrupt Viva Air, with the condition that Avianca relaunch Viva as a separate low-cost brand. The Directorate of Air Transport and Aero-Commercial Affairs, which is usually referred to by the Spanish short-hand Aerocivil, said Avianca must refund passengers who were affected by the cancellation of flights by Viva Air and that customers with reservations be allowed to fly. The regulator also wants the return of coveted slots at Bogota’s main airport and the confirmation that flights to Buenos Aires be expanded. Avianca, according to local media reports, described the conditions