Venezolana - Rutas Aéreas de Venezuela RAV S.A. (also known as Venezolana de Aviación) is a Venezuelan charter airline headquartered in Maracaibo.[2]
History
The airline was founded by Venezuelan investors in 2001 as RAVSA - Rutas Aéreas de Venezuela S.A.. The airline operated charter flights using Jetstream 31s. In 2007, the airline started up operations under its brand name Venezolana.[3] When operations started, Venezolana began to acquire through the years a mixed fleet of used Boeing 737-200, MD-80s and British Aerospace Jetstream 41s to start more scheduled services to other destinations inside and outside of Venezuela. During the 2000s, the airline experienced a rapid expansion in the international and domestic markets, especially with the regional route between the cities of Maracaibo and Caracas, which is one of the most popular routes in Venezuela.
However, Venezolana had turmoil with its reputation in the international market between 2009 and 2011, following delays and cancellations due to mechanical problems, mismanagement in its operation procedures, and ransacking of passengers' baggage. This led to the retirement of their Jetstream 41s and eventually brought criticism from passengers, and as a response, the airline began reorganizing procedures, eventually decreasing the passenger complaints rate.