The Argentinian Air Force, through the State company airline LADE, will operate charter ultra-low-cost flights for Flybondi. But why would a government-run operator would help a private carrier, and why is it becoming a controversial topic in Argentina? Let's investigate further.

Flybondi needs help

The COVID-19 pandemic is, once again, creating chaos throughout the Latin American region. But unlike 2020, this time is not because governments are imposing travel restrictions, forcing airlines to reduce their scheduled flights. Instead, the airlines themselves have had to cancel flights and reschedule passengers due to an increase in COVID cases among their staff. Aeromexico, Avianca, LATAM, Aeromar, and now Flybondi have been among the impacted airlines.

According to the Argentinian Government, Flybondi can't operate its scheduled flights because it doesn't have enough crews to do so. Therefore, through its carrier LADE, the Argentinian Air Force will help out. The objective is to avoid thousands of passengers getting stranded if Flybondi can't operate flights. Flybondi currently has a fleet of five Boeing 737 aircraft.

LADE will charter a Boeing 737-700, registration T-99, to the low-cost carrier.

In a statement published by Argentina's Tourism Ministry, it said,

"Due to the current demand levels, certain touristic regions are tracking a significant increase in economic activity, guaranteeing the full development of the economy. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the scheduled commercial flights and, thus, we request the participation of Líneas Aéreas Del Estado (LADE) to carry on with a number of scheduled flights from the company Flybondi."

Nonetheless, at least four unions across Argentina have opposed the Government's announcement.

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Why is the LADE-Flybondi temporary alliance controversial?

According to the Argentinian government, LADE was launched, among other things, to help with the development of the country. Therefore, if a private airline, like Flybondi, needs help (and in consequence, its passengers need help) to carry on its operations, LADE should help.

But not everyone agrees with this point of view.

Yesterday, the Argentinian unions for pilots (APLA), airport employees (APA), air traffic management (ATEPSA), and general employees of the industry (UPSA) released a joint statement on the subject.

According to the Unions, if LADE supports Flybondi's operations, it would be detrimental to the country's airline industry.

They argued,

"We believe it would be against the industry's best interest if a State carrier like LADE sustains a private company that was deliberately created to turn the Argentinian air transport industry into a private business."

Instead, the government should take care of its State carrier, Aerolíneas Argentinas, they added.

Photo: The Argentinian Government.

What do we know about LADE?

LADE is a state-owned airline operated by the Argentine Air Force. It primarily provides domestic scheduled services, mainly in Patagonia. The government launched the carrier in September 1940.

According to its website, it flies to the following Argentinian destinations:

  1. Comodoro Rivadavia
  2. Río Gallegos
  3. Río Grande
  4. Ushuaia
  5. Trelew
  6. El Calafate
  7. Bariloche

The airline operates a fleet of four Saab 340B aircraft, with an average age of 30.7 years old, according to ch-aviation. The registrations of these planes are T-31, T-32, T-33, and T-34.

What do you think about the Argentinian Government’s decision to deploy a military aircraft to help Flybondi? Do you think it is fair for other carriers? Let us know in the comments below.