Last Tuesday, Equair confirmed that Gabriela Sommerfeld is stepping down from her position as CEO of the company. However, she will continue to be linked to the Ecuadorian airline as a shareholder. She was replaced by Roberto Amores, the company’s CFO since its inception. He also served as Aerogal’s Financial Manager between 2007 and 2011.
According to the statement, «the changes respond to the company’s growth strategy which, in just six months, achieved a significant share of the domestic market».
«The launch of Equair was a great challenge in which we exceeded all expectations,» said Sommerfeld, who was a key player in the launch process and the inauguration of operations. «I am grateful to have been part of it and for the trust they placed in me; however, it is now time to move on to another management», she added.
The new airline was presented in 2021, with the initial intention of competing with LATAM and Avianca in Ecuador. The launch followed the withdrawal of TAME, which ceased operations in May 2020 and left a significant gap in the domestic market.
Equair completed its first scheduled commercial flight in January this year. Since then, it achieved a domestic market share of around 25% and an occupancy rate of 80%. According to the company, «these results have accelerated the strategic plan and, therefore, the internal reorganisation to ensure sustainable growth and consolidation of the company in the country».
See also: American Airlines to increase flights to Guayaquil
