Overwhelming Response To Viva Air Labs Innovation Challenge

During the 2-week solicitation period that closed April 16th, Colombian Low Cost Carrier Viva Air received approximately a thousand proposals from 20 countries in response to its Viva Air Labs innovation challenge. The challenge solicited ideas to reignite and promote air travel in the post Coronavirus COVID-19 travel environment.

Clyde Hutchinson, director of Viva Air Labs, and Félix Antelo, president and CEO of Viva Air, celebrate the opening of the innovation center. (Credit: Viva Air)

Proposals came from countries such as Colombia, Germany, the United States, Sweden, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, Chile, Brazil, Spain, Peru, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Venezuela, Ireland, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and China.

“At Viva Air, we are very excited to see the wide reception for this challenge. Undoubtedly, adverse times such as the one we are living through today due to COVID-19 promote innovative ideas with a high degree of value. We received very creative proposals focused on digital, commercial and operational aspects, including promotions, disinfection and crew safety. Many of these have potential for successful implementation,” said Clyde Hutchinson, founder of Viva Air Labs.

The winning proposal able to be successfully implemented in either Colombia, Peru or Miami; destinations where Viva Air operates, will be awarded $10,000 USD funded by external allies of Viva Air who are proponents of innovation initiatives.