[2] The airline was founded by Venezuelan investors in 2001 as RAVSA - Rutas Aéreas de Venezuela S.A..

However, Venezolana had turmoil with its reputation in the international market between 2009 and 2011, following delays and cancellations due to mechanical problems, mismanagement in its operation procedures, and ransacking of passengers' baggage.

[citation needed] On February 27, 2012, the Venezuelan Ministry of Transportation indefinitely suspended Venezolana's air operator certificate due to unpaid insurance premiums for their fleet, causing disruptions in its domestic and international operations.

Consequently, the National Institute of Civil Aviation decided to ground the airline again, causing disruptions in domestic and international operations indefinitely.

On March 26, 2014, the airline was bought by a group of private investors and resumed operations.