Avianca Brazil slows domestic growth. Perhaps time to expand into the international market

Avianca Brazil is slowing down expansion after quadrupling in size over the last four years. Avianca will again pursue faster domestic capacity expansion in 2014 than its three larger competitors as six additional A320s are delivered, replacing smaller Fokker 100s, but the rate of growth will slow significantly.

Avianca Brazil now accounts for 8% of Brazil's domestic market, up from only 2% four years ago and 5% two years ago. Gol, TAM and most recently Azul have all slowed down capacity growth while Avianca Brazil has continued to expand rapidly but from a small base.

As Avianca Brazil's domestic position could be approaching maturity, the airline will need to turn its attention to international market potential. Avianca Brazil remains purely a domestic carrier while TAM has a dominant position in Brazil's international market, Gol is increasing its international focus and Azul has unveiled plans for a new long-haul operation. If Avianca Brazil is to maintain its relevance, an international move should be on the radar, particularly as it prepares to enter Star while the alliance also controversially continues to court rival Azul.