SAO PAULO (Reuters) - There is “substantial doubt” about Avianca Holdings’ (AVT_p.CN) ability to stay in business due to the coronavirus crisis, the Colombian airline reported on Thursday, citing the conclusion of its financial auditors.
Avianca, Latin America’s second-largest airline, made the disclosure in a securities filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission explaining why it was unable to file its 2019 annual report on time.
Avianca said it will file the report in June and expects to disclose the conclusion made by accounting firm KPMG that there were serious questions about the airline’s “ability to continue as a going concern.”
Avianca has grounded all its passenger flights since March due to the coronavirus crisis, after its main hubs in Colombia, El Salvador, Ecuador and Peru all shut down air traffic. It has put about half its workforce on unpaid leave and is actively looking for government help, while deferring payments on aircraft leases and loan principals.
“As a result, we are currently in default under certain of our outstanding indebtedness,” the airline said in the securities filing. “If our operations remain suspended for an extended period, we may have to take further measures to preserve our business.”
The airline had been in weak shape even before the crisis hit. Roberto Kriete, president of Avianca’s board, said last year in a meeting with employees that the airline was “broke.”
In order to keep operating last year, Avianca required an emergency $250 million loan that was funded in large part by United Airlines Holdings Inc (UAL.O).
Kriete was appointed
