Veteran Nelson Ramiz Plans New Airline as US-Venezuela Air Links Reopen

The reopening of direct air links between Venezuela and the United States, suspended since 2019, has been called a historic opportunity. Veteran aviation executive Nelson Ramiz sees this as a moment for the recovery of Venezuela’s aviation sector.

Ramiz confirmed his decision to return to Venezuela. He is actively preparing a new aviation project. This move signals a possible new chapter for an industry he once helped lead.

The Aeropostal Legacy and New Market Opportunity

Ramiz is best known as the former owner and executive leader of Aeropostal. He spent more than a decade at the helm of the carrier. Under his leadership, Aeropostal became one of the most powerful airlines in the region.

At its peak, Aeropostal controlled 74 percent of Venezuela’s domestic market. It also handled 90 percent of Caribbean traffic, according to the source. The airline operated a fleet of 32 aircraft and ran over 100 daily flights before operations halted in 2007.

Ramiz, a former member of the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association, believes the reopening fundamentally changes the industry outlook. He also supported the Dutch Caribbean airline DAE during its development.

“The return of routes to cities like Miami, New York or Houston is news we should all celebrate,” Ramiz stated. He noted the United States is the largest aviation market globally. There is a natural flow of passengers driven by tourism, business, and family ties. Cutting this connection for over six years forced travelers to pay more and fly through unnecessary connections.

Ramiz predicts renewed access to the U.S. market will stimulate competition and lower fares. It is also expected to significantly increase both passenger and cargo volumes. Key drivers include the large Venezuelan diaspora in the United States and the gradual reactivation of strategic sectors like oil and energy.

Regulatory Hurdles and Operational Constraints

Despite the positive outlook, structural limitations remain a major constraint for local carriers. The U.S. government lifted airspace restrictions on January 29, 2026, allowing U.S. carriers to prepare for service resumption, with American Airlines being the first to announce plans to reinstate service.

However, Venezuela is still classified as Category 2 in terms of operational safety oversight. This designation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prevents Venezuelan airlines from operating their own aircraft and crews on flights to the United States.

“For now, U.S. airlines will be the main beneficiaries,” Ramiz explained. Venezuelan carriers will have to operate under wet lease arrangements. This will continue until the country regains Category 1 status.

Ramiz expressed conditional support for a future Open Skies agreement. He stressed that such an arrangement must be based on fair and balanced conditions. He believes increased international competition would force long-overdue modernization within the domestic aviation sector.

• Consolidation: Ramiz argued that Venezuela should consolidate into no more than three strong carriers.
• Modernization: These carriers must be equipped with modern aircraft and operate under international standards.
• Infrastructure: Investment in airport infrastructure must go beyond cosmetic upgrades to handle growth.
• Regulation: The aviation regulator must be strengthened through professionalization and clear, consistent rules.

The New Aviation Project

Ramiz confirmed that preparations for his new aviation project are already well underway. He is coordinating two teams to manage the launch.

One team is based in Venezuela. It focuses on flight operations, airports, and maintenance. The second team is in Miami. It is responsible for financial and administrative planning. A potential investment fund is also involved in the project.

While the possible revival of the Aeropostal brand is being considered, Ramiz emphasized the project is not tied to any single brand. “The plan is based on market needs,” he said. The new entity could be Aeropostal, Conviasa, or a completely new airline. The main goal is to build a solid and sustainable operation.

Ramiz was unequivocal about his intentions to return. He wants to contribute once again to the development of Venezuelan aviation. This new phase of connectivity could reshape Caribbean traffic flows and competitive dynamics across the southern Caribbean.

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