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.”

[matthew mcdonald]

WOW. Cant wait for this to happen. However, does anybody know where AR will get these A346'S from as Airbus have stopped making A340's altogether. My guess is maybe Iberia?

Any help would be appreciated.

[Michael Mak]

Airbus has not stopped the production of the A340-600. If an airline orders it, it can still be made.

[matthew mcdonald]

Oh, ok then happy to be corrected. Thnks for the info Michael.

[Oliver Gigacz]

All A346s have been delivered, there are a still A345s on order.

[Brian Wilkes]

No i dont think so!
None have delivered.

[Oliver Gigacz]

Yes, there are a still private customer A345s to be delivered.

[Brian Wilkes]

No I thought you mean to Aerolineas.

[Phil M]

The only question is:could it be possible for the A436 to go slower than their A343?

[Torin Wilson]

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.”

Doesn't exactly sound like the best way to make a profit.