Above: an Avianca plane

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Colombia-based regional carrier Avianca reported operating revenue of $49.8 million in the second quarter, the company announced in a release.

That represented a growth in the company’s operational margin from 3.2 percent in 2013 to 4.4 percent in 2014.

The carrier also reported a 5.9 percent increase in the number of passengers transported in the second quarter, the carrier said.

The company’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortization and aircraft rentals totaled $164.3 million, with a 14.4 percent margin, at the end of the second quarter.

In the first half, EBITDAR totaled $326.2 million, reaching a 14.5 percent margin.

From April to June, Avianca added five short, medium and long range aircraft, including four Airbus planes.

In total, the carrier and its subsidiaries ended the second quarter with a fleet of 157 planes.