Airbus Operations in Colombia

Airbus aircraft are playing an increasingly significant role in Colombia's aviation sector, with various entities across the South American nation operating these aircraft for commercial, military, and para-military purposes. However, a comprehensive figure for the total number of Airbus aircraft, helicopters, and military aircraft in operation in Colombia remains elusive.

JetSmart, a Chilean low-cost airline operating in Colombia, leads the commercial sector with an Airbus A320 family fleet. Currently, there are 49 Airbus aircraft in service, including A320-200, A320neo, and A321neo models, primarily serving commercial passenger transportation across domestic and international routes.

In the realm of law enforcement, the Policía Nacional de Colombia operates a small fleet of 12 aircraft, primarily consisting of ATR 42/72 and De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter models, not Airbus models, but still relevant to state-operated aviation. These aircraft are used for law enforcement, surveillance, and transport.

The Airbus C295, a medium tactical transport aircraft, is widely used globally, including in Latin American militaries, for missions such as troop transport and logistics. While precise numbers in Colombia are not available, it's likely that the C295 is in limited use for military purposes.

Regarding helicopters, no direct data on Airbus-manufactured helicopters or details on helicopter fleets in Colombia were found in the search results. However, it's known that helicopters provide surveillance in Colombia.

The Colombian government has recently signed a contract with Airbus to purchase an additional 24 C295 aircraft, valued at approximately $1.2 billion. These new aircraft will join the existing fleet of more than 160 Airbus aircraft currently in operation in Colombia. The new C295 aircraft will be assembled in Spain and operated by the Colombian Air Force. Delivery of these aircraft is expected to take place between 2023 and 2025.

The new C295 aircraft will be equipped with advanced technology for improved performance and safety. These aircraft will be used for transport and surveillance purposes, further enhancing the life-saving capability of the Colombian Air Force. The addition of these aircraft will provide additional support to the Colombian population, strengthening transportation infrastructure and enabling more effective surveillance and life-saving operations.