Mexican carrier Transportes Aéreos Regionales (TAR Aerolíneas) is looking to fill the void left by Aeromar’s cessation of operations in the country’s regional market.
According to a report by Expansión, the Querétaro-based company plans to add up to eight new aircraft that would allow it to recover routes that are no longer part of its network, as well as cover others that its competitor has left.
The loss of connectivity from Aeromar’s withdrawal
Aeromar’s closure on 15 February particularly affected regional connectivity: although during that month it represented only 0.8% of the total number of domestic seats in Mexico, the suspension of its activity was felt most strongly in communities that had no other scheduled air services. Since then, these localities have relied exclusively on ground transport.
Ciudad Victoria (CVM), Ixtepec (IZT) and Piedras Negras (PDS) airports ceased to have scheduled flights, according to information obtained by Aviacionline through the Cirium platform. Aeromar used to operate five weekly flights between these cities and Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX).
In addition, its demise led to the cancellation of four domestic routes that no other operator offered: Aguascalientes (AGU) – Mexico City (MEX), Colima (CLQ) – Mexico City (MEX) and Tepic (TPQ) – Mexico City (MEX).
TAR Airlines became the sole operator on the Aguascalientes (AGU) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR) route.
In that sense, Aeromar’s cessation of operations represents an opportunity for airlines that are able to capitalise on the reduced supply on these regional routes.
See also: Uncertainty looms over cities affected by Aeromar demise
TAR Aerolíneas’ recovery plan
For TAR Aerolíneas, the departure of Aeromar means an opportunity to go where no one else provides the service. Moreover, the possibility comes in the context of a recovery plan implemented to finally retrieve the capacity it had before the start of the pandemic.
According to statements to Expansión by Ricardo Bastón, the company’s CEO, the company’s strategy consists of «attacking regional market demand» with an increase in capacity. To this end, they plan to add up to eight new Embraer 145. Currently, the company operates a fleet made up entirely of this model from the Brazilian manufacturer.
TAR Aerolíneas plans to expand its network from Querétaro International Airport (QRO) and increase its offer at Chihuahua (CUU), Culiacán (CUL), Hermosillo (HMO) and Monterrey (MTY) airports. In addition, it aims at starting offering scheduled services in Mexico City, probably at Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU).
