Aerolineas Argentinas planning direct flights

[Stefan Perkas]

Evening all,

Found this on http://www.travelweekly.com.au/dirpl.../1_09_2010.pdf

They are planning direct flights with A340-600's.

Argentine flag carrier Aerolineas Argentinas is planning direct non-stop services from Sydney to Buenos Aires as it insisted it was winning the battle to restore confidence in the airline.

The carrier is preparing to operate the non-stop services with Airbus A340-600s, with flights expected to start early next year.
A three-class configuration is being considered - business, premium economy and economy.
Aerolineas Argentinas currently offers four weekly flights via Auckland, using 15-year-old A340-200s. Approval is currently being sought from the Australian Government although it is regarded almost as a formality.

Aerolineas regional manager Oscar Cilli admitted to Travel Today last night the airline has endured a difficult period over the past three years amid a dismal financial performance, with its on time figures also plummeting.

Only one in five flights departed on time in 2008, a dire showing which has since improved to around 80% to 85%, he said. The state-owned carrier was targeting a breakeven performance in 2012 before moving into modest profit in 2013. Despite the difficulties, Cilli insisted the airline has never stopped supporting agents, and was continuing to pay 13% commission to retailers and 15% to consolidators. Rates of 25% are being offered on sales of business class tickets during August and September, he added.

Cilli was frank in his assessment of how to retain business. “It has been difficult but we are recovering,” he said. “Our on time performance, which was very poor, has improved considerably and we have restored confidence. We offer the lowest fares to Buenos Aires in the market and pay the highest commission and this is the way to keep people with us.”