McDonnell Douglas MD 11 Viasa

On 1st January 1961 VIASA was established to take over international flight operations from Avensa and Linea Aeropostal Venezolana. The airline started operations with a fleet of three Convair 880s which were replaced by two new DC-8-50s and two new DC-8-63s. The airline chose another long range McDonnell Douglas product to replace the DC-8 fleet; the first DC-10-30 was accepted by VIASA in April 1974. A total of five Series -30s were delivered by the manufacturer while a further example was leased from Iberia. The international network included destinations in Europe, the USA and South America. During the Canadian winter season charter flights were flown to Toronto and Vancouver. The carrier ordered two MD-11 passenger aircraft which were to be delivered during 1992. Serial numbers 48524 and 48525 were assigned; however, the order was cancelled and the aircraft were not built. In 1996 the fleet consisted of seven 727s and four DC-10-30s. Facing heavy losses and a lack of cash flow, VIASA was forced to cease operations on 23rd January 1997 and was liquidated in March 1997.