United is working with Avianca Holdings and Avianca Brasil
on a commercial and strategic partnership.
The Avianca family of airlines includes the eponymous Colombian
carrier Avianca, which is that nation's largest, as well as the Central
American carrier Taca, Ecuador's AeroGal and Avianca Brasil.
"United and Avianca have a long history of partnership
through Star Alliance, and we look forward to enhancing our cooperation to
provide even better service for our customers," United president Scott Kirby
said in a prepared statement. "Deepening our relationship allows us to expand
on our existing Star Alliance and strategic partnerships in the region as we
continue building a great network in Latin America."
United provided no specifics on what the partnership might
look like. Last June, the Wall Street Journal reported that Avianca was seeking
a capital infusion from potential airline investors. United and Delta were among
the airlines considering a bid.