VECA

Veca Airlines (IATA: VU, ICAO: VAR) was a Salvadoran low-cost carrier that briefly operated from 2014 to 2017, aiming to provide affordable regional flights across Central America. Founded on March 28, 2014, by Sociedad Hasgar S.A. de C.V., and headquartered in San Salvador, El Salvador, the airline established its main hub at Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL), with a focus city at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Costa Rica.

Veca Airlines launched commercial operations on November 28, 2014, using a small fleet of two leased Airbus A319-100 aircraft configured for short-haul routes. Its network connected San Salvador to key Central American destinations, including Guatemala City (GUA), Managua (MGA), and San José (SJO), emphasizing 'Vuelos Económicos de Centro América' (Economic Flights of Central America). By late 2014, ownership shifted to ALBA Petróleos de El Salvador, a subsidiary linked to regional energy initiatives.

Despite initial promise as a budget alternative in a market dominated by larger carriers like Avianca, Veca faced stiff competition, operational challenges, and financial difficulties. It suspended flights on January 17, 2017, and formally ceased operations the following day amid restructuring efforts that never materialized. The airline's brief tenure highlighted the volatility of low-cost startups in Latin America.

Passenger feedback on platforms like TripAdvisor averaged 4.0/5 from a small sample of 12 reviews, praising crew service, cleanliness, and value, though critiquing onboard experience and food. With no major safety incidents, Veca remains a footnote in Salvadoran aviation history, underscoring the hurdles for independent regional carriers.