Colombian carrier Avianca just launched a new nonstop route between Medellin and San Juan, Puerto Rico, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

The new route means four weekly flights between José María Córdova International Airport in Medellin and Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan. 

Flights will run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. 

“At Avianca, we take pride in continuously expanding our route network for the benefit of our customers,” said Aristides Luna, Avianca’s sales manager for North America. “With the inauguration of our direct flight between San Juan and Medellin, we are committed to enhancing Puerto Rico’s international connectivity and offering passengers a direct and convenient option to reach one of Colombia’s most attractive destinations. “

Avianca is operating the service on Airbus A320 aircraft, with a capacity of up to 180 passengers. That will result in as many as 1,400 seats to Puerto Rico every week, bolstering the island’s efforts to attract International airport. 

Those efforts have already been paying off, with San Juan’s air hub continuing to show strong growth in international arrivals so far this year. 

“This fantastic news not only marks the inauguration of a new air route but also commemorates a decade of successful and uninterrupted connection between Puerto Rico and Colombia, representing a 40.6% growth in seat availability now connecting the two countries,” said Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia, the country’s chief promotion arm for tourism. “Let this be an opportunity to invite international travelers to discover the beauty and charm of our six tourist regions.”

Puerto Rico tourism officials estimate the impact of the route at as much as $45 million for the island.