Connections with the nation of Colombia grew stronger last week with two milestone events taking place. Avianca, the world's second oldest airline, initiated its inaugural service into Orlando International Airport from Bogatá, Colombia. This additional service brings to 5900 the total number of new weekly international seats into our market for the summer of 2011.
On the heels of Avianca's arrival, former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe Vélez travelled to Orlando to encourage increased trade between our markets. Following an official welcome to the community by EDC President and CEO Rick Weddle, the hugely popular former President, who was the first in his country's history to serve two terms, spoke at length to a group of over 100 local businesspeople about the economic development benefits of the pending free trade agreement between Colombia and the United States. The President was followed by Orlando Commissioner Tony Ortiz, who provided an overview of our market to the 45-plus Colombian businesspeople travelling with the president.
The EDC worked closely with event organizers - which included KEP Brokers, ESSE Consultores, MPC Financial Strategies, the Law Firm of Colombo, Hurd & Brandt, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando - in the planning of this event. The opening of direct flights on Avianca between Bogatá and Orlando, along with high level government and business interest in trade and joint ventures, bodes well for increased business ties between our markets.
