Due to international embargoes, financial instability and government influence, the national airline of Venezuela can barely keep up an international route network. Three A340-600 aircraft, all between 22 and 24 years old by now, are infrequently used on routes to Cuba, Russia and China. YV3535, which was originally delivered to Virgin Atlantic Airways back in 2002, is named for Rafael José Urdaneta (1788-1845), a Venezuelan general and supporter of Simón Bolivar during the wars of independence of Spanish America from Spain in the early 19th century. „The Brilliant“ as he was called due to his successful military strategies, Urdaneta, who later also became the fourth President of the short-lived Gran Colombia, is today honored in Venezuela as a national hero. Not only is Conviasa itself a rare sight, but also the 75-meter long A340-600 is becoming a rarity in today's skies following Lufthansa's slow but steady retirement of the type in the course of the coming months.
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