Aerovías Venezolanas S.A., better known by its acronym AVENSA, was one of the largest Venezuelan airlines providing domestic and regional services between 1943 and 2004. It began operations on May 13, 1943. AVENSA became one of the most important airlines in Venezuela, serving destinations in Europe and the Americas and operating one of the most modern fleets of its time. The airline was owned by the Boulton family.

In 1964, with the incorporation of the Fairchild Hiller FH-227 turboprops, the Convair Allison 580, and the arrival of the Caravelle, the jet era began. AVENSA once again operated leading-edge aircraft, later including the Douglas DC-9-10/30/50, McDonnell Douglas DC-10, Boeing 727-100/200, Boeing 737-200/300, and Boeing 757-200, reaching a fleet of more than 30 aircraft. The investment was not limited to fleet acquisition; the Technical School “Don Henrique Boulton” was founded to provide training in administrative, operational, air traffic, and maintenance areas, along with a Flight Training Center equipped with modern training devices for flight crews.