Avianca Secures Role as Official Airline Partner for Orlando City Soccer Club and Pride
Avianca Secures Role as Official Airline Partner for Orlando City Soccer Club and Orlando Pride
In a significant development for the local sports community, Avianca has been announced as the official international airline partner for both the Orlando City Soccer Club of Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Orlando Pride of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). This partnership signifies Avianca's commitment to investing in sports across the markets it serves, reflecting the brand's dedication to enhancing connectivity and fostering community engagement.
The partnership will span across 32 home matches this season for both teams, showcasing their dedication to local and Latino talent. Avianca's Country Officer for the United States, Rolando Damas, expressed pride in this collaboration, emphasizing the importance of Orlando as a key market for the airline. In 2025 alone, Avianca transported over 300,000 passengers to and from Orlando, facilitating nearly 2,000 flights, indicating a robust level of service in the region.
Operating a total of 80 destinations across the Americas and Europe, with 14 located within the United States, Avianca has emerged as a crucial player in enhancing connectivity for the region. Presently, the airline runs over 100 flights weekly in Florida, establishing strong routes to Colombia, Ecuador, and Central America. Damas highlighted that this partnership not only strengthens Orlando's transportation connections but also enhances the vibrancy of the sports scene in the local community.
Orlando City SC, a team that joined MLS in 2015, has a history of success and community engagement, consistently reaching postseason play since 2020. Similarly, the Orlando Pride, launched as Florida's first professional women's soccer team in 2016, has made significant advancements, including a historic championship season in 2024. This partnership with Avianca underscores the role of soccer in promoting local culture and passion among fans.
With InterCo Stadium's capacity at nearly 25,000, the excitement surrounding soccer games is palpable. The partnership not only aims to elevate the game-day experience for fans but also supports the need for cultural representation in sports, where a strong Latin American presence can be observed in both teams’ rosters and coaching staff.
Kelly Hyne, Senior Vice President of Brand Alliances for Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride, voiced enthusiasm about welcoming Avianca to their partner family. This collaboration is seen as an opportunity to create meaningful experiences for fans at InterCo Stadium and beyond, enhancing the overall sports entertainment landscape.
Moreover, this partnership is more than just a financial arrangement; it represents a cultural commitment, as sports continue to serve as a powerful platform for community building and social interaction. Avianca recognizes sports as a significant medium for unity and cultural exchanges, aiming to connect with communities through shared interests and experiences.
In addition, Avianca's robust operational framework reinforces their significant presence in the United States, with over 400 weekly flights connecting cities like Boston, New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. With a focus on enhancing travel between the Americas and providing seamless connections, Avianca is poised to play a key role in the ongoing growth of sports tourism in Florida.
As this partnership unfolds throughout the exciting soccer season, fans can anticipate engaging promotional activities and experiences that celebrate the synergy between sports and global connectivity. Through its partnership with Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride, Avianca is solidifying its place as a prominent supporter of soccer while actively participating in the cultural fabric of Orlando.
For customers, this also means enhanced travel opportunities aligned with sporting events, making it easier to follow their favorite teams and players as they showcase their talents on the field. With Avianca's rich history, established network, and commitment to sports, the airline stands ready to celebrate this partnership with soccer enthusiasts across the region.
In conclusion, Avianca's official partnership with Orlando City Soccer Club and Orlando Pride is more than just a business transaction; it encapsulates a mutual commitment to community, culture, and the celebration of sports. This collaboration paves the way for an invigorating season filled with shared experiences, pride, and unity among fans and players alike.