LATAM Airlines Group has launched a travel eSIM service, making it the first airline in Latin America to offer a branded mobile connectivity solution. Developed in partnership with Gigs, the eSIM is fully integrated into LATAM’s digital ecosystem and is now available through its official website.The product offers 1 to 10 GB data plans for regional and global destinations. According to the airline, it provides instant connectivity at competitive rates, bypassing costly roaming fees and the need for Wi-Fi networks.“With eSIM LATAM, we are extending our mission beyond flights; we are creating a connected travel experience that goes beyond landing” said Ramiro Alfonsín, LATAM’s Chief Commercial Officer.The service also enables travelers to accumulate LATAM Pass Miles with every purchase, reinforcing engagement with the group’s loyalty program. The eSIM can be activated instantly via LATAM’s online platform.Rafa Plantier, VP of Go-to-Market at Gigs, noted that “people switch off airplane mode before unbuckling their seatbelts. Connectivity is now a fundamental part of the travel experience. LATAM has recognized that by integrating mobile services into their ecosystem, they are simplifying travel for millions.”LATAM indicated that further integrations are planned in the coming months to enhance the product offering.

LATAM Airlines launches global eSIM with travel data plans

Aerolíneas Argentinas reported a positive economic result of ARS 169.012 billion (~USD 137.4 million) in the first quarter of 2025, including both operational and financial results, according to official data released by the Secretariat of Finance. The company stated in a press release that this marks its best economic performance since the airline's re-nationalization in 2008.Citing data from the Integrated Financial Information System for State-Owned Companies (SIFEP), Aerolíneas Argentinas achieved a 22.78% margin between its final economic result and operating revenues, the highest ratio in the past 20 years. The company highlights that this level of financial efficiency places it on par with the revenue benchmarks of other regional airlines.In addition, the airline ranked as the second-best performing state-owned enterprise during the period, with a difference of less than one million pesos compared to the top performer.In 2024, Aerolíneas Argentinas closed the year with a surplus of USD 20.4 million, its first since re-nationalization. After subsequent accounting adjustments, that figure rose to USD 56.6 million, due to operating revenues exceeding operational costs for the first time.By mid-2025, the company had not requested any transfers from the National Government, and according to information provided to the Ministry of Economy, it will not require public funds to operate.According to the company, these results stem from a cost-cutting policy that included a staff reduction of over 16%, bringing the workforce to its lowest level in 15 years. The company also reached the lowest average number of employees per aircraft in its history.In that process, over 1,600 employees left the company, and 85 management positions were eliminated, including 8 directorates, 20 management roles, and 57 additional positions. As part of the restructuring, negotiations with unions in late 2024 aimed to increase productivity for both the fleet and operational staff, including ground and flight personnel.The company attributes the results to a strategy "based on operational efficiency, route optimization, cost reduction, and a sustained recovery in demand, especially across the international network".

Aerolíneas Argentinas posts record USD 137M profit in Q1 2025

Canadian carrier Porter Airlines will begin direct service to Guanacaste Airport starting December 4, marking its first venture into Central America. The new routes are part of the airline’s broader effort to expand into growing tourism markets.Flights will operate from Toronto and Ottawa through March 2026. The Toronto–Guanacaste route will run three times a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays), while Ottawa–Guanacaste flights will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays starting December 13.The airline will use Embraer E195-E2 aircraft configured with 132 seats and no middle seats, aiming to offer a more comfortable travel experience.This marks the first-ever direct connection between Costa Rica and Ottawa, representing a milestone in air connectivity with Canada. According to the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT), 257,395 Canadian tourists arrived by air in 2024, with 147,743 more visiting between January and May 2025.By July, Guanacaste Airport will be connected to 16 destinations in the United States and Canada: Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte-Douglas, Denver, Dallas-Fort Worth, Newark, Houston-Hobby, Houston-Intercontinental, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago-O'Hare, San Francisco, Montreal-Trudeau, Calgary, and Toronto. American Airlines, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, Delta Air Lines, Air Transat, United Airlines, WestJet, and Southwest Airlines will operate around 130 weekly flights in each direction, representing over 160,000 seats per month, according to data compiled by Aviacionline via Cirium.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/06/red_de_guanacaste_aeropuerto_julio_2025_cirium_schedule_mapper.jpg" alt="Red de Guanacaste Aeropuerto - Julio 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)" /><figcaption>Red de Guanacaste Aeropuerto - Julio 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)</figcaption></figure>“The arrival of Porter Airlines to Guanacaste is the result of continuous work to strengthen ties between Costa Rica and Canada” said Tourism Minister William Rodríguez, emphasizing the growing interest in the country among Canadian travelers.Andrew Pierce, Porter’s Vice President of Network Planning, added that “the interest of Canadian travelers in Costa Rica is growing steadily, and now passengers can enjoy Porter’s award-winning hospitality across all aspects of the flight experience.”From the airport’s perspective, César Jaramillo, General Manager of Guanacaste Airport, called the launch a milestone. “Canada is a strategic and most dynamic market for Guanacaste Airport,” he said, noting a 2.6% increase in Canadian arrivals in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2024.Guanacaste Airport is operated by CORIPORT and part of the VINCI Airports network. According to the concessionaire, the airport holds multiple ISO certifications and is recognized as a carbon-neutral terminal. It has also received the ASQ Customer Experience award for Latin America and the Caribbean for six consecutive years.

Porter Airlines Sets Course for Costa Rica in Guanacaste Airport

Damián Toscano, who founded Alas del Sur a decade ago—a carrier that never took flight and was ultimately sold to U.S.-based Indigo Partners, the owner of JetSmart—is now behind Domus Airways, a new airline that aims to connect Buenos Aires with Miami and other international destinations, offering exclusively business and premium economy seats.The new company was authorized this week by the Argentine government through the Official Gazette. Although it currently lacks aircraft and staff, the plan is moving forward. The proposal: to operate medium- and long-haul flights with three Airbus A220-100 aircraft, configured to carry just 60 passengers, all in premium cabins. Tickets are expected to start at US$ 2,000. It remains to be seen how this reduced configuration could extend the standard range of the A220-100—from 3,600 nautical miles with 135 passengers to around 3,800 nautical miles, enough for a route like Buenos Aires–Miami.If successful, Domus would become the first airline in Latin America to offer an all-premium product, a model also adopted in recent years by carriers like La Compagnie in the highly competitive North Atlantic market, where strong demand for premium services allows for niche exploitation. They would also be the first A220 operators in the region.“This time we’re going to make it fly,” Toscano told Clarín, a Buenos Aires-based newspaper. According to him, the key lies in the efficiency of single-aisle aircraft—typically used for shorter routes—that, when adapted to carry fewer passengers, allow lower operating costs without sacrificing comfort.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="39365" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>Domus is authorized to connect Buenos Aires not only with Miami, but also with cities across Argentina and Latin America, such as Lima, Bogotá, Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, and Punta del Este. However, passengers may have to wait to see these aircraft in the skies: regular operations may not begin until 2027, Toscano said.In the meantime, the entrepreneur plans to start earlier with charter flights to the Caribbean, using leased aircraft with standard economy seating under a yet-to-be-announced brand. Still, the main focus remains Domus’s premium model.Behind the project, Toscano claims, are U.S. investors and aviation professionals with experience at American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, LATAM, and Aerolíneas Argentinas, and, according to remarks cited by La Nación, "a working relationship with Airbus."“We’re going to be a test case in Latin America, with long-haul flights on single-aisle aircraft,” Toscano promised.

The First All-Premium Airline in Latin America Could Take Off From Argentina

Azul Linhas Aéreas is moving forward with a deep restructuring of its capital structure through a judicial recovery process in the United States under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The measure, which will be formalized this Wednesday, May 28, aims to position the company as a more efficient and competitive operator in the Latin American aviation market, which, since the pandemic, has already seen some of its main players enter and exit Chapter 11, including Aeroméxico, LATAM, and Avianca (Brazil’s GOL, the most recent to file, is still in the process of emerging).The airline, which serves 160 destinations and transported 30 million passengers in 2024, enters the process with prearranged agreements with key creditors, its largest aircraft lessor (AerCap), and strategic partners such as United Airlines (which already holds 2.02% of the capital) and American Airlines.The operation includes a debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing package of US$1.6 billion, which will cover part of the existing debt and provide approximately US$670 million in additional liquidity. In addition, a rights offering of up to US$650 million, along with a potential equity injection of up to US$300 million from the U.S. carriers, will strengthen Azul’s exit from the process.In an interview with Folha de S. Paulo, Azul CEO John Rodgerson confirmed that upon the completion of the judicial process, United and American could each invest between US$100 million and US$150 million in exchange for a significant equity stake and seats on the board of directors. The realization of this investment will depend on the final approval of the restructuring plan, according to partner media outlet AEROIN.Rodgerson emphasized that the process represents a pause in negotiations with Abra Group, the holding company that controls Gol Linhas Aéreas, which is also undergoing restructuring. "By deleveraging, Azul will fly higher. We are entering the process with an exit already in mind,” the executive said.He noted that the goal is to cut total debt in half and reduce the debt-to-EBITDA ratio from four to around two times. The expectation is to complete the restructuring within six to twelve months, aided by pre-negotiated agreements for both entry and exit from Chapter 11.In 2024, Azul recorded an adjusted net loss of BRL 1.057 billion (~USD 187 million), with a positive operating result of BRL 3.507 billion (~USD 621 million).Regarding operational continuity, Azul stated it will maintain all flights, customer benefits, and commercial operations without changes, while ensuring its commitments to employees, suppliers, and passengers remain in effect. "Azul continues to fly – today, tomorrow, and into the future," said Rodgerson.“With a collaborative approach and the support of our stakeholders, we have made a strategic decision to pursue a voluntary financial restructuring as a proactive move to optimize our capital structure, which was burdened by the COVID-19 pandemic, macroeconomic headwinds and aviation supply chain issues. Our strategy is not just about financial reorganization. By using this process, we believe that we are creating a robust, resilient, industry-leading airline – one that Customers will continue to love flying, at which Crewmembers will continue to love working, and that will create value for our stakeholders," he added.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2017/03/Uruguaiana-Aeropuerto-Azul.jpg" alt="Uruguaiana – Aeropuerto – Azul" /><figcaption>Uno de los pilares de Azul es operar hacia una extensa red de aeropuertos regionales de Brasil son sus ATR 72-600.</figcaption></figure>AerCap CEO Aengus Kelly expressed confidence that Azul will emerge “stronger than ever,” highlighting that both companies are the largest operators of Embraer E2 aircraft, thereby supporting the Brazilian aviation industry."United was proud to begin cooperating with Azul in 2014 and to invest in Azul in 2015. Since that time, we have connected hundreds of thousands of passengers and are excited about the opportunity to grow this business even more,” said Andrew Nocella, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of United Airlines."Azul is more than just a commercial partner for United – their customer-first approach and unique route network connecting small and large communities have improved the passenger experience in Brazil. That’s why we support Azul’s restructuring process and have entered into an agreement to build a stronger relationship in the future," he added.Stephen Johnson, Vice Chair and Chief Strategy Officer for American Airlines, added that “we are confident that Azul’s plan to strengthen its future will be extremely positive for the Brazilian aviation market and for travelers to, from, and within Brazil.”“American Airlines has served Latin America since 1942 and is proud to operate flights to 14 destinations in South America. Our service, together with that of our partners GOL and JetSMART, combined with the strength and breadth of Azul’s network, will provide our customers with a unique travel option between the Americas and even greater connectivity within Brazil and South America. We are excited to support this process and be part of Azul’s future,” he concluded.As part of this transformation, the company’s board of directors approved the creation of a Special Independent Committee, composed of Renata Faber Rocha Ribeiro, Jonathan Seth Zinman, and James Jason Grant, all independent directors. This committee will serve as an advisory body to the board, with the authority to evaluate, plan, and oversee negotiations related to the Chapter 11 restructuring process.In parallel, Azul announced the suspension of its financial projections for 2025, in light of the new context.<h3>Download document:&nbsp;</h3><ul><li><a href="https://1drv.ms/b/c/4dc152064cb06ef6/EdWqiH1vNLxMjsvrWeYs-7oBkaX3tj0YQI_Vzw8Xq7TdJA?e=xKg1iL">Azul's Discussions Materials regarding Chapter 11</a></li><li><a href="https://1drv.ms/b/c/4dc152064cb06ef6/ES9GZhxblPNOkaX8Zu_vHfIBlUC2KKHynah9vemnG8M7gQ?e=Ie8v36">Azul's 1Q2025 - Financial Statements</a></li><li><a href="https://1drv.ms/b/c/4dc152064cb06ef6/ESRK2m58RThJtnh_R2zyGnQB3vJClb36Gdchl3icpJkp5g?e=fLWc7S">Azul's 4Q2024 - Financial Statements</a></li></ul>

Azul hits reset: Chapter 11 filing backed by AerCap, American Airlines, and United Airlines

Arajet, the Dominican low-cost airline, will begin direct flights between Punta Cana and Chicago starting November 15, marking a new phase in its expansion into the United States. The route will connect Punta Cana International Airport with Chicago O'Hare Airport with three weekly frequencies, according to the company.Tickets for this new route will be available starting today at 10:00 a.m., with fares starting at $117 one-way, based on information provided by the airline.With this addition, Chicago becomes the fifth U.S. city served by Arajet, after Miami, San Juan (Puerto Rico), New York (starting June 13), and Boston (starting November 15). The company has been operating since September 2022 and is financially backed by Bain Capital and Griffin Global Asset Management.This expansion comes in the context of the Open Skies agreement between the Dominican Republic and the United States, which came into effect in December and removed certain restrictions on flights between the two countries.“Our continued growth enables greater connectivity for both tourists and the Dominican diaspora, while boosting tourism and economic opportunities across the region,” said Víctor Pacheco, CEO of Arajet.From Punta Cana, passengers will also have the possibility of connecting to other destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America, the company noted.Arajet will become the sixth Latin American airline to fly to Chicago, after Aeroméxico, Avianca, Copa Airlines, Viva, and Volaris.<ul><li>Aeroméxico: 14 weekly flights from Mexico City and 3 from Guadalajara.</li><li>Avianca: 7 weekly flights from Bogotá.</li><li>Copa Airlines: 10 weekly flights from Panama City.</li><li>Volaris: 7 weekly flights from Monterrey, 7 from Mexico City, 8 from Guadalajara, and 1 from León/Guanajuato.</li><li>Viva: 2 weekly flights from Querétaro, 3 from Monterrey, 4 from Morelia, 11 from Mexico City, 9 from Guadalajara, and 4 from León/Guanajuato.</li></ul>In total, these account for 16,300 seats and 90 weekly one-way flights, according to data obtained by Aviacionline via Cirium.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/05/red_de_aerolineas_latinoamericanas_en_chicago_mayo_2025_cirium_schedule_mapper.jpg" alt="Red de aerolíneas Latinoamericanas en Chicago - Mayo 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)" /><figcaption>Red de aerolíneas Latinoamericanas en Chicago - Mayo 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)</figcaption></figure>U.S. airlines connect Chicago with 18 cities in the region, mostly focused on Caribbean tourist destinations.They offer an average of 24,200 seats and 131 one-way weekly flights.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/05/rutas_entre_chicago_y_latinoamerica_y_el_caribe_aerolineas_de_estados_unidos_mayo_2025_cirium_schedule_mapper.jpg" alt="Rutas entre Chicago y Latinoamérica y el Caribe - Aerolíneas de Estados Unidos - Mayo 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)" /><figcaption>Rutas entre Chicago y Latinoamérica y el Caribe - Aerolíneas de Estados Unidos - Mayo 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)</figcaption></figure>

Arajet Expands to Chicago as Fifth US Destination

The Argentine government has formalized the reform of the Aeronautical Code through Emergency Decree (DNU) 338/2025, with the aim of modernizing, deregulating, and opening Argentina's air transport market. The regulation modifies key articles of Law No. 17,285, in force since 1967, and aligns with the Open Skies Policy promoted by the administration of Javier Milei.According to the Executive Branch, the changes aim to remove bureaucratic barriers, align the legal framework with international trends, and facilitate competition in the aviation sector, for both airlines and aerial work operators.Among the most significant aspects of the decree is the possibility to register aircraft under more flexible contractual terms, allowing them to be registered in the name of an operator through contracts executed either domestically or abroad, provided they are recorded in the National Aircraft Registry and meet the requirements of the Aeronautical Code.In addition, the requirement that two-thirds of the board members of operating companies be Argentine nationals is eliminated, although the legal domicile in the country must still be maintained. The role of the public aerodrome chief is also redefined, with their appointment being required only where technically determined by the National Aeronautical Authority.From an operational standpoint, articles 103 and 104 are modified to stipulate that authorizations to operate domestic routes will be general, not for specific routes, and will be valid for up to 15 years with automatic renewal. Only notification to the competent authority is required, removing the need for prior Executive Branch approval.Another notable change allows the use of foreign-registered aircraft, without the previous requirement that they be crewed or serviced by Argentine personnel. The obligation to employ national aeronautical personnel in commercial air services is also eliminated.The government has also repealed the article that granted the State preemptive rights to acquire assets from defunct airlines, such as aircraft or spare parts.Regarding aerial work services, article 131 has been replaced to streamline the authorization process, requiring only a declaration of technical and economic capacity, without prior evaluation by the aeronautical authority.The Civil and Commercial Code is also updated to allow contract parties to establish an electronic domicile, where all notifications and summons will be considered valid, facilitating cross-border operations.The decree also refers to the need to comply with international standards required by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and cites an upcoming audit by the body as one of the reasons for the urgency of the measure.“The State’s excessive bureaucratic activity has hindered the economic development of the sector,” argues the decree, which states that the changes will help align national legislation with comparative law practices and promote investment.With this reform, the Executive states it aims to consolidate a more agile, open, and competitive regulatory framework for civil aviation, reducing state intervention in favor of a “model based on free trade and market openness.”

Argentina Overhauls Aeronautical Code to Deregulate Aviation Market

At 11:55 a.m. local time, Arajet flight DM 2100 landed at Miami International Airport (MIA), marking the Dominican low-cost carrier’s first operation in the United States.The flight lasted two hours and originated from Santo Domingo/Las Américas (SDQ). It was operated with a Boeing 737 MAX 8, registration HI1101. With this new route, Arajet strengthens its hub model in the Dominican Republic, enabling connections across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.The new route will initially operate four times per week, and from June 13, it will become a daily service. For now, the system displays connection options via Santo Domingo between Miami and Aruba, Bogotá, Cancún, Curaçao, Guatemala, Medellín, Mexico City, San José (Costa Rica), and San Salvador.From its hubs in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana, the airline currently operates 28 routes to 21 international destinations, further consolidating its regional presence.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/arajet_certificado_del_vuelo_inaugural_a_miami.jpeg" alt="Arajet - Certificado del vuelo inaugural a Miami" /><figcaption>Arajet - Certificado del vuelo inaugural a Miami</figcaption></figure>This new service will be complemented by the Punta Cana (PUJ)–Miami route, which will launch on June 13 with six weekly flights. Additionally, routes to San Juan (SJU) and Newark (EWR) will begin on June 6 and June 16, respectively.Newark will be served with four weekly flights, while San Juan will be operated from both Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, also with four weekly frequencies each.All three new destinations are aimed at serving the Dominican diaspora in the United States, particularly in Florida, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.This year, Arajet is set to receive three Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which will support its planned U.S. expansion.Last month, Arajet filed a request with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to amend its route application, stating its intent to add more U.S. destinations such as Boston (BOS), Chicago/O'Hare, Washington Dulles (IAD), Orlando (MCO), among others.

Arajet Made Its U.S. Debut Today, Creating a New Gateway to Latin America

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has confirmed that the Wings of Change Americas (WOCA) 2025 Conference will be held on June 25–26 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bogotá, Colombia, with Avianca as the host airline.This year’s event will take place under the theme “The Connectivity Frontier: Exploring New Opportunities in the Region”, and will highlight the importance of collaboration between the aviation industry and governments to boost regional connectivity and competitiveness. Key discussion areas will include travel and tourism, technology and innovation, operations, sustainability, and distribution.Confirmed speakers include Frederico Pedreira, CEO and President of avianca, and Peter Cerdá, IATA Regional Vice President for the Americas, alongside several airline executives such as Roberto Alvo (LATAM Airlines Group), Pedro Heilbron (Copa Airlines), Estuardo Ortiz (JetSMART Airlines), Adrian Neuhauser (Abra Group), and Erika Zarante Bahamón (LATAM Airlines Colombia).In line with the conference’s goal of building solutions across the aviation value chain, the speaker list also features leaders from aircraft manufacturing, tourism, infrastructure, sustainability, and technology. These include Arturo Barreira, President of Airbus Latin America and the Caribbean; Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism; Rafael Echevarne, Director General of ACI-LAC; Natalí Leal, General Manager of OPAIN; Victoria Platt, Vice President of Airline Strategy &amp; Transformation at SITA; Carolina Betancourt, SAF Project Manager at BioD S.A.; Ricardo Bernardi, Partner at Bernardi &amp; Schnapp; Roberto Roselli, CEO of Plus Ultra; and Harris Whitbeck, Minister of Tourism for Guatemala.According to IATA, the aviation industry is a key contributor to economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean. As of 2023, it supported more than 8.3 million jobs and generated around USD 240 billion in GDP. Forecasts suggest that by 2043, the sector could support 15 million jobs and contribute USD 500 billion to the region’s economy.Bogotá was chosen as this year’s host city due to the growing importance of the Colombian aviation market. In 2023, the air transport sector contributed USD 15.5 billion to Colombia’s GDP—4.3% of the total economy—and supported approximately 921,000 jobs.WOCA 2025 marks the 15th edition of the Wings of Change Americas Conference, which is also held annually in other regions. The African edition is scheduled for July 8–9 in Dakar, Senegal, while Europe’s edition will take place November 18–19 in Brussels, Belgium.More information, including the full agenda and registration process, is available on the official <a href="https://www.iata.org/en/events/all/wings-of-change-americas/#tab-3">WOCA website</a>. Members of the media seeking accreditation are invited to contact woca@iata.org.

Latin America’s aviation leaders to gather in Bogotá for IATA Wings of Change Americas 2025

<a style="color: #000000;" href="https://www.aircanada.com">Air Canada</a> presented its expansion plan during Investor Day 2024, projecting over a dozen new international destinations in the coming years. This growth will be driven by the addition of four aircraft models to its fleet: Airbus A220, Boeing 787-10, Boeing 737 MAX, and especially, the A321neo XLR.
The Canadian airline aims to strengthen its operations through its three main hubs: Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, with the goal of reaching 30 billion Canadian dollars in annual revenue and improving profitability by 2030. According to the company, the strategy includes revenue growth of 7-8% annually, supported by an increase in capacity (ASMs) of 5-6% annually.
Air Canada has diversified its market across the three hubs, with Toronto established as its global hub, Montreal leading in transatlantic routes, and Vancouver specializing in transpacific connections. The airline&#8217;s capacity is distributed as follows: 21% for domestic routes, 34% for the Atlantic, 16% for the Pacific, and 10% for Latin America and Caribbean markets.
<img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-18-at-6.16.27-AM.jpeg" alt="" />
<h3>New destinations in Latin America</h3>
As part of its growth plan, Latin America is a key focus within the expansion strategy, with eight new destinations.
Among its priorities is Lima (LIM, Peru; a destination it previously operated before the pandemic and is currently served by Air Transat from Toronto and Montreal. The company plans to relaunch the route using the <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/air-canada-bets-on-airbus-a321xlr-for-new-routes-to-south-america-and-beyond/">Airbus A321neo XLR</a>.
Another new country is Guyana, with non-stop flights between Toronto and Georgetown/Cheddi Jagan (GEO), aiming to capitalize on the region&#8217;s economic boom. The company plans to launch this route using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, operated by its subsidiary Air Canada Rouge. Finally, it also plans to enter El Salvador (SAL), currently connected to Canada through its commercial partners Air Transat and Avianca.
After entering Monterrey (MTY) as a seasonal route, the airline has set its sights on Guadalajara (GDL), Mexico&#8217;s second-largest city, with the A220-300. Through its Rouge subsidiary, it plans to add Acapulco (ACA) to its network, joining its other seven vacation destinations in Mexico: Cancun, Cozumel, Huatulco, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Puerto Vallarta, San José del Cabo, and Tulum.
A new vacation destination on its network will be Cartagena (CTG, Colombia, which in recent weeks has progressed on the project for a new airport that will increase the number of arrivals to the city on the Caribbean coast.
Finally, Air Canada plans to launch two new destinations in Brazil, including resuming flights to Rio de Janeiro/Galeao (GIG), which it operated until 2016, and entering Fortaleza (FOR) in northeastern Brazil. Both routes will focus on meeting the demand of Canadian tourists in the South American country.

Air Canada to Launch Flights to Guyana, El Salvador, and More Latin American Destinations

On December 10, Avianca inaugurated its flights between Bogotá (BOG) and <a href="https://cjairport-gy.com/">Georgetown/Cheddi Jagan (GEO)</a>, Guyana, adding a new country to its destination network.
The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) reported that the first flight carried 29 passengers inbound and departed with 113 passengers. The agency expressed its expectation that this new and unprecedented route between the two countries will boost tourism, trade, and people-to-people exchange.
<ul>
<li>Bogotá &#8211; Georgetown flight AV 225 BOG 23:10 &#8211; 03:10 (+1) GEO / Tuesdays and Saturdays.</li>
<li>Georgetown &#8211; Bogotá flight AV 226 GEO 04:15 &#8211; 06:00 BOG / Wednesdays and Sundays.</li>
</ul>
The flights are operated with Airbus A320neo aircraft, configured for 180 passengers, offering a capacity of 720 seats per week.
Avianca&#8217;s entry into Guyana provides access to a vast hub of destinations, particularly in the United States, as well as other countries in Latin America. Until now, Copa Airlines was the only carrier offering regional connectivity from Guyana, with a more limited role played by Surinam Airways to northern Brazil via Paramaribo.
The discovery of oil and gas deposits has driven rapid economic growth in Guyana, significantly increasing the demand for air connectivity.
Despite not having a major national airline, local operators like Trans Guyana Airways and Roraima Airways cover domestic and charter routes, while international connectivity primarily relies on foreign airlines.
<img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Guyana-Aeropuerto-de-Geo.jpg" alt="" />
<h4>Airlines and destinations in Guyana</h4>
This context has enabled the arrival of new airlines and destinations in 2024, bringing the total to fifteen airlines operating flights to the country from Georgetown airports (Cheddi Jagan and Ogle), with connections to sixteen destinations across the Americas, the Caribbean, and Europe.
<ul>
<li>From Ogle (OGL):
<ul>
<li>Caribbean Airlines: Barbados, Paramaribo, and Port of Spain with ATR 72-600.</li>
<li>Gum Air: Paramaribo/Zorg en Hoop with Twin Otter.</li>
<li>Trans Guyana Airways: Paramaribo/Zorg en Hoop with Beechcraft 1900D.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>From Cheddi Jagan (GEO):
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li>American Airlines: Miami and New York with Boeing 737 MAX 8.</li>
<li>Avianca: Bogotá with A320neo.</li>
<li>British Airways: London/Gatwick and Saint Lucia with Boeing 777-200 (ER).</li>
<li>Caribbean Airlines: New York, Port of Spain, and Toronto with Boeing 737 MAX 8.</li>
<li>Copa Airlines: Panama City with Boeing 737-700 and MAX 8.</li>
<li>FlyAllWays: Havana and Paramaribo with Fokker 70.</li>
<li>InterCaribbean: Barbados and Grenada with ERJ 145 and CRJ 700.</li>
<li>JetBlue: New York with A321ceo and A321neo.</li>
<li>KLM: Amsterdam with A330-200 and A330-300.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

Avianca Expands Network: New Flights Between Bogotá and Georgetown, Guyana

The expansion of <a href="https://www.voegol.com.br/">GOL Linhas Aéreas</a> in international flights for the 2024/2025 high summer season constitutes a significant strategic move, with a 40% increase in its flight offerings and the addition of new destinations in Central America and the Caribbean.
In this way, the airline seeks to strengthen its market positioning and offer more options to travelers, proposing more than 4,400 flights and 825,000 available seats between December 16, 2024, and March 9, 2025.
<h4>Increase in frequencies</h4>
This increase implies a 30% rise compared to the same period of the previous year and is linked to an increase in frequencies on existing routes, in addition to the introduction of nine links and the opening of three new destinations: San José (Costa Rica), Cancún (Mexico), and Aruba, according to what was declared via a statement to <a href="https://aeroin.net/gol-anuncia-expansao-de-18-em-voos-para-a-temporada-de-verao-2025/">Aeroin</a>.
With this expansion, GOL now connects to 16 cities in eleven countries, which include Aruba, Asunción, Bogotá, Buenos Aires/Aeroparque, Buenos Aires/Ezeiza, Cancún, Córdoba, Miami, Mendoza, Montevideo, Orlando, Paramaribo, Punta Cana, Rosario, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, and San José.
In Brazil, 14 cities will serve and receive these international flights, covering major centers like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, and more.
<img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Flightmap-ASU-GRU-VVI-COR-GIG-ROS_EZE-GIG-MVD_MDZ-GRU-PUJ_MVD-GRU-_PBM-BEL_BOG-BSB-EZE-FOR-MIA-MAO_MCO-BSB-MIA_CNF-EZE-FOR_COR-FLN_JPA-EZE-MCZ_AEP-NAT-EZE_REC-AEP-SSA-EZE-REC_BPS-EZE.png" alt="" />
<h4>New international routes for the 2024/2025 season of GOL</h4>
<ul>
<li>São Paulo/Guarulhos (GRU) – San José (SJO)</li>
<li>São Paulo/Guarulhos (GRU) – Aruba (AUA)</li>
<li>Brasília (BSB) – Cancún (CUN)</li>
<li>Brasília (BSB) – Buenos Aires/Ezeiza (EZE), starting January 7</li>
<li>Fortaleza (FOR) – Orlando (MCO)</li>
<li>Florianópolis (FLN) – Rosario (ROS)</li>
<li>Brasília (BSB) – Bogotá (BOG), starting February 4</li>
<li>Natal (NAT) – Buenos Aires/Aeroparque (AEP)</li>
<li>São Paulo/Guarulhos (GRU) – Buenos Aires/Ezeiza (EZE)</li>
</ul>
Bruno Balan, Executive Manager of Air Planning at GOL, stated that the expansion aims to provide customers with a «summer of possibilities,» offering more options and convenience to explore renowned destinations and new landscapes. The initiative is part of GOL&#8217;s effort to strengthen Brazilian tourism and promote global connectivity.
<h4>Greater seat availability</h4>
According to the Cirium platform, São Paulo has the largest seat availability in the international network with 37.7%, followed by Rio de Janeiro with 19.2%, and closing the podium is Brasília with 17.5%.
According to ANAC Brazil, with 6.95% of the market share, GOL is the third most important airline in Brazil, having transported 1,425,918 passengers between January and October 2024.

New GOL Destinations: Aruba, San José, and Cancún Added for 2024 High Season

Airlines are preparing for 2025 with growing profits, continuing the impressive cycle that began after the pandemic, a period in which they recorded record losses of $137 billion in 2020, once again demonstrating their resilience in the face of challenges in an environment that remains complex both environmentally and politically.
According to data revealed this Tuesday during the IATA Global Media Day, an annual press meeting, airlines are expected to achieve profits of $36.6 billion in 2025, with a margin of 3.6%. This surpasses the $31.5 billion projected for 2024, which represents a margin of 3.3%. Profits per passenger are estimated at $7, 60 cents more than in 2024, though almost a dollar less than the peak of 2023. Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA&#8217;s Senior Vice President for Sustainability and Chief Economist, contextualized this figure by noting that with that amount, one cannot even buy a coffee in some of the world&#8217;s major cities.
Airlines&#8217; operating profit for 2025 is forecasted at $67.5 billion, with an operating margin of 6.7%, three-tenths higher than in 2024.
For the first time in history, in 2025 the commercial aviation industry will surpass the trillion-dollar revenue mark, reaching $1.007 trillion, 4% more than in 2024. Expenses would grow by 4%, reaching $940 billion.
In terms of passenger traffic, a growth of 6.7% compared to 2024 is projected, with 5.2 billion people expected to travel by plane in 2025, breaking the 5 billion mark for the first time. Meanwhile, cargo is expected to grow by 5.8%, reaching 72.5 million tons.
The financial performance of the commercial aviation sector will be supported by lower fuel costs, with the gap between jet fuel and Brent crude oil prices narrowing to just $15, down from peaks of over $60 in 2022. However, IATA warns that the situation could improve further if manufacturers resolve issues in production chains.
Willie Walsh, IATA&#8217;s Director General, was emphatic on this point, stating that the industry is dealing with a monopoly of manufacturers who are taking advantage of the situation, even profiting from the problems they themselves have created. He pointed out how the price of some spare parts has far exceeded inflation. «There is no evidence that these issues are being resolved, and we’ve had enough,» Walsh emphasized. «We need to increase pressure and seek support to enforce commitments,» he added, explaining that he merely conveys what airlines are telling him. «If I were running an airline, my patience would have run out long ago,» he concluded.
A consequence of this issue is that the global fleet has reached an average age of 14.8 years, the highest figure in the series since measurements began in 1990. Over these 34 years, the average has been 13.6 years. This impacts airline efficiency as well as efforts to improve environmental performance.
<img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/promedio-mundial-de-flota-2024.jpg" alt="" />
<figure id="attachment_348058" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-348058" style="width: 1270px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/willie-walsh-global-media-day-2024.jpeg"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/willie-walsh-global-media-day-2024.jpeg" alt="Marie Owen Thomsen y Willie Walsh durante su presentación en el IATA Global Media Day 2024 en Ginebra" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-348058" class="wp-caption-text">Marie Owen Thomsen and Willie Walsh during their presentation at the 2024 IATA Global Media Day in Geneva</figcaption></figure>
In this scenario, airlines in Latin America and the Caribbean will close 2024 with profits of $1 billion, with a margin of 2.1%. For 2025, profits are expected to grow to $1.3 billion, with a margin of 2.4%, equating to a profit per passenger of $3.8 (vs. $3.2 in 2024). Demand (in RPK) would grow by 8% in 2025, while capacity (in ASK) would increase by 7.9%.
According to IATA&#8217;s report, the region is home to «airlines that thrive and others experiencing significant financial difficulties, including Chapter 11 proceedings.» Additionally, it notes that devaluations in countries with significant domestic operations have posed challenges, as many key costs, such as fleet and debt services, are paid in dollars.
Another significant challenge, specifically mentioned by Marie Owens Thomsen during the Q&amp;A session, is that some governments in less mature markets, such as those in Latin America and the Caribbean, tend to view commercial aviation as a «cash cow,» increasing fees and taxes. «It is impressive what Latin American airlines have achieved. There are many reasons to believe that load factors and profits will continue to grow,» she commented.
Willie Walsh added that «considering the geography of Latin America, it is obvious that air transport is essential, and much of the global growth will also come from this region. There are great opportunities, and airlines have done a good job in areas such as fleet modernization and consolidations.»
DEVELOPING NEWS

IATA Forecasts $36.6 Billion in Airline Profits for 2025, Setting New Industry Records

In a new update to the reservation system, it has been observed that Avianca has temporarily resumed using ATR 72 aircraft between December and March under a wet-leasing agreement with CLIC.
According to the website, Avianca is marketing flights with ATR 72 aircraft to Armenia (AXM), Barrancabermeja (EJA), Bucaramanga (BGA), Neiva (NVA), Pereira (PEI), and Villavicencio (VVC), replacing Airbus A319, A320, and A320neo on one to three daily flights. In the reservation system, the company clarifies that the ATRs are operated by Clic! for Avianca Express.
It&#8217;s worth noting that Avianca maintains an interline agreement with CLIC, through which it markets flights operated by the regional airline to destinations it does not serve directly. The company confirmed to Aviacionline that the implementation of the ATR aircraft is part of an expansion of its alliance with CLIC!
In June 2022, Avianca retired its ATR 72-600 aircraft as part of a post-pandemic restructuring process to standardize its fleet with the Airbus A320 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner families. Avianca ordered its first ATR aircraft in 2012, followed by the arrival of the first four ATR 42-500 in May 2013, and subsequently, 16 more ATR 42 and ATR 72 were added over the years.
The turboprops were primarily intended to connect airports in Colombia with lower demand or lacking infrastructure where jet aircraft face operational difficulties, as well as short routes in Central America.
To address the absence of ATRs, Avianca signed a codeshare agreement with CLIC, which allowed it to continue operating its regional network in Colombia.
ATR Programming at Avianca 
From Bogotá (BOG):
<ul>
<li>Armenia (AXM): 14 weekly flights with ATR and 20 with A320ceo/neo.</li>
<li>Barrancabermeja (EJA): 1 daily flight with ATR and another daily with A320ceo/neo.</li>
<li>Bucaramanga (BGA): 1 daily flight with ATR and 77 weekly flights with A320ceo/neo.</li>
<li>Neiva (NVA): 2 daily flights with ATR and 1 daily flight with A320ceo/neo.</li>
<li>Pereira (PEI): 1 daily flight with ATR and 88 weekly flights with A320ceo/neo.</li>
<li>Villavicencio (VVC): 3 daily flights with ATR.</li>
</ul>
Clic! will continue, independently of Avianca, connecting Bogotá with Barrancabermeja (5 weekly flights), Neiva (26 weekly flights), and Villavicencio (5–7 weekly flights).

Avianca Partners with CLIC for ATR 72 Regional Operations Through March

In October 2024, passenger traffic in Latin America and the Caribbean grew by 4.6% compared to the same month of the previous year, reaching a total of 38.7 million. According to the report by the <a href="https://www.alta.aero" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA)</a>, this increase represents 1.7 million additional passengers, driven primarily by growth in domestic and intraregional markets.
Demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), grew by 3.8%, while available seat kilometers (ASK) capacity increased by 3.3%. The load factor stood at 84.9%, improving by 0.4 percentage points compared to the same period last year. This indicator reflects an optimization in the use of available capacity, according to the report.
In October 2024, airlines operated 305,810 flights, a 3.4% increase compared to the same month of the previous year. Of these, 190,406 were domestic flights (+3%), and 115,404 were international (+4%). Total seat capacity reached 47.2 million, growing by 3.8%.
Table 1. Total passenger market in LAC &#8211; October 2024
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Metric</th>
<th>October 2024</th>
<th>October 2023</th>
<th>Growth 2024/2023</th>
<th>Cumulative (Jan-Oct 2024)</th>
<th>Cumulative (Jan-Oct 2023)</th>
<th>Growth 2024/2023</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Passengers</td>
<td>38,741,441</td>
<td>37,036,589</td>
<td>4.6%</td>
<td>394,538,684</td>
<td>373,292,954</td>
<td>5.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Domestic</td>
<td>22,297,430</td>
<td>21,271,512</td>
<td>4.8%</td>
<td>210,761,721</td>
<td>205,589,163</td>
<td>2.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Intra-LAC</td>
<td>4,725,450</td>
<td>4,329,596</td>
<td>9.1%</td>
<td>45,816,831</td>
<td>40,586,352</td>
<td>12.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Extra-LAC</td>
<td>11,718,561</td>
<td>11,435,481</td>
<td>2.5%</td>
<td>137,960,132</td>
<td>127,082,806</td>
<td>8.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RPK (millions)</td>
<td>79,486</td>
<td>76,577</td>
<td>3.8%</td>
<td>833,327</td>
<td>774,630</td>
<td>7.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Domestic</td>
<td>20,398</td>
<td>19,800</td>
<td>3.0%</td>
<td>194,671</td>
<td>192,302</td>
<td>1.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Intra-LAC</td>
<td>9,419</td>
<td>8,400</td>
<td>12.1%</td>
<td>90,446</td>
<td>78,354</td>
<td>15.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Extra-LAC</td>
<td>49,669</td>
<td>48,377</td>
<td>2.7%</td>
<td>548,210</td>
<td>503,974</td>
<td>8.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ASK (millions)</td>
<td>93,614</td>
<td>90,627</td>
<td>3.3%</td>
<td>987,774</td>
<td>923,138</td>
<td>7.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Domestic</td>
<td>24,516</td>
<td>23,544</td>
<td>4.1%</td>
<td>237,404</td>
<td>234,514</td>
<td>1.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Intra-LAC</td>
<td>11,543</td>
<td>10,573</td>
<td>9.2%</td>
<td>112,916</td>
<td>97,316</td>
<td>16.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Extra-LAC</td>
<td>55,554</td>
<td>56,510</td>
<td>-1.7%</td>
<td>637,454</td>
<td>591,308</td>
<td>7.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Load Factor</td>
<td>84.9%</td>
<td>84.5%</td>
<td>0.4 pts</td>
<td>84.4%</td>
<td>83.9%</td>
<td>0.5 pts</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Domestic</td>
<td>83.0%</td>
<td>83.9%</td>
<td>-0.9 pts</td>
<td>82.4%</td>
<td>82.4%</td>
<td>0.0 pts</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Intra-LAC</td>
<td>81.6%</td>
<td>83.7%</td>
<td>-2.1 pts</td>
<td>80.8%</td>
<td>81.4%</td>
<td>-0.6 pts</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Extra-LAC</td>
<td>86.3%</td>
<td>84.8%</td>
<td>1.5 pts</td>
<td>85.2%</td>
<td>85.2%</td>
<td>0.8 pts</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Source: ALTA analysis, based on Amadeus data and estimates, including information reported by member airlines.
The domestic segment, which transported 22.3 million passengers, grew by 4.8% compared to October 2023, contributing to 60% of the total growth in the region. Brazil and Colombia led this segment, with 8.3 million and 2.9 million passengers, respectively.
In contrast, Mexico and Argentina faced declines in domestic traffic. Mexico reported a 4.2% drop in passengers (5.2 million) and a 6.2% reduction in flights. In Argentina, traffic fell by 12.6%, marking seven consecutive months of decline, with a total of 1.4 million passengers.
In Brazil, the Congonhas (CGH) – Santos Dumont (SDU) route remained the busiest, with 361,000 passengers, while in Colombia, the Bogotá (BOG) – Medellín (MDE) route stood out, reaching 472,670 passengers, a 27.2% increase.
<img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/principales-rutas-domesticas-latinoamerica-y-el-caribe-octubre-2024.jpg" alt="" />
In the intraregional market, traffic grew by 9.1%, totaling 4.7 million passengers. This increase, according to ALTA&#8217;s report, was led by the Brazil-Chile market, which experienced a 59.6% growth thanks to new frequencies on routes like Brasília (BSB) – Santiago (SCL). Another notable market was Colombia-Panama, which grew by 21.7% in passengers, driven by a 39% increase in frequencies on the Bogotá (BOG) – Panama City (PTY) route.
<h4>Moderate growth in international markets</h4>
International traffic reached 11.7 million passengers (+2.5%). Routes to North America accounted for the highest volume, with a 0.9% increase (8.7 million passengers). Connections to Europe grew by 6.3% (reaching 2.9 million passengers), with the Caracas – Madrid route standing out due to a 77% increase in frequencies.
Among extraregional markets, Brazil led absolute growth, registering 2.1 million passengers (+11.8%) and 1,030 additional flights. Routes to Spain showed strong dynamism, with a 37% increase in frequencies. In the Dominican Republic, international traffic grew by 3% (1.3 million passengers), despite a 6% decline in frequencies.
<img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/distribucion-trafico-de-pasajeros-ALTA-latinoamerica-por-region-octubre-2024.jpg" alt="" />
<h4>Impact of fuel prices</h4>
ALTA&#8217;s report also highlighted the evolution of fuel prices, a crucial factor for airlines. In November 2024, the average Jet Fuel price was USD 86.82 per barrel, with a peak of USD 89.59. This value represents a slight 0.02% decrease from October and a significant 24.7% reduction compared to November 2023.
<img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/panama-terminal-pasajeros-generica.jpg" alt="" /> <a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/precio-combustible-avion-vs-SAF-combustible-sostenible-octubre-2024.jpg"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/precio-combustible-avion-vs-SAF-combustible-sostenible-octubre-2024.jpg" alt="" /></a>
The cost of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), on the other hand, was USD 203.58 per barrel, 2.3 times more expensive than conventional Jet Fuel. Despite a 3.1% decrease compared to October and a 12.1% year-over-year drop, the high price of SAF remains a challenge for the industry, which aims to balance sustainability and operational costs.

Latin America and the Caribbean Passenger Traffic Grows 4.6% in October 2024

<a href="https://www.latam.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LATAM Airlines</a> became the first airline in South America to secure a «Sustainability-Linked Loan» worth 300 million dollars.
The region&#8217;s largest airline signed an agreement with Crédit Agricole Corporate &amp; Investment Banking and BNP Paribas for a revolving credit facility, similar to the functionality of a credit card, allowing LATAM to access additional long-term financing under special conditions on its interest rates, as long as it meets a series of sustainability goals.
This financial move adds to the company&#8217;s return to the New York Stock Exchange and the report of net earnings totaling 301 million dollars during the third quarter of 2024. LATAM has accumulated a total of 705 million dollars in net earnings from January to September this year.
Andrés del Valle, VP Corporate Finance of LATAM Airlines Group, stated that «we continue to bring good news. This is our first financial product linked to sustainability, and we see it as a first step toward exploring other similar instruments in the future, such as sustainability-linked bonds.»
Del Valle added that «this milestone not only reinforces the commitment to being a more sustainable group, aligned with our strategy and actions focused on climate change, circular economy, and shared value, but also positions LATAM as a pioneer in promoting sustainability-linked financing in the aviation sector in the region.»
The loan refinances an existing credit line for engines («Spare Engine Facility» or «SEF»), which has been part of LATAM&#8217;s capital structure for the past decade. The refinancing enabled a significant reduction in the interest rate, an optimization of the line&#8217;s guarantees, and an extension of its duration.
The transaction includes sustainability-linked provisions, under which LATAM may receive price adjustments depending on its performance regarding the carbon emissions intensity of its operations, measured as tons of CO2 emissions per revenue ton-kilometer (RTK). This inaugural sustainability-linked financing supports the company’s strategy, particularly its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

LATAM Airlines Secures $300M Sustainability-Linked Loan: A First in South America

<a href="https://www.latam.com">LATAM</a> Airlines announced that it has activated its Wi-fi On Board internet service on domestic flights in Ecuador. The first flight was LA1397 between Quito (UIO) and El Coca (OCC). The first aircraft is an Airbus A319, registration CC-CYJ, and the airline estimates that by the end of 2025 the service will be available for the other six Airbus aircraft based in Ecuador.
This service is already available on the group’s international flights, as well as in its subsidiaries in Chile, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.
The company operates in Ecuador to seven domestic destinations and four international ones across 15 routes:
<ul>
<li>From Guayaquil
<ul>
<li>Buenos Aires/Ezeiza (EZE) via Lima, 7 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Cuenca (CUE), 5 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Baltra Islands (GPS), 18 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Lima (LIM), 14 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Santiago (SCL), 7 weekly flights.</li>
<li>San Cristóbal (SCY), 9 weekly flights.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>From Quito
<ul>
<li>Bogotá (BOG), 14 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Cuenca, 29 weekly flights.</li>
<li>El Coca (OCC), 8 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Guayaquil, 75 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Baltra Islands, 2 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Lima, 18 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Manta (MEC), 12 weekly flights.</li>
<li>San Cristóbal, 1 weekly flight, starting in March 2025.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<figure id="attachment_347314" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-347314" style="width: 1190px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Flightmap-CUE-GYE-EZE-GPS-GYE-SCY_EZE-LIM-GYE-SCL_LIM-UIO-BOG_MEC-UIO-OCC_CUE-UIO-GPS_SCY-UIO_.png" alt="" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-347314" class="wp-caption-text">LATAM Ecuador destination network.</figcaption></figure>
&nbsp;
<h4>How to access LATAM’s in-flight internet service?</h4>
The new service offers free access to online messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram for all passengers with a LATAM Pass account.
To access messaging or connectivity services with a speed of 1-3mbps, passengers only need to activate Airplane Mode on their mobile devices, connect to the “LATAM Play” Wi-Fi network, and scan the QR code located in front of their seat, or visit play.latam.com.
Once connected, passengers can log in with their LATAM Pass account or register if they are not yet members, and choose between messaging or browsing options. Passengers who are not part of the program can register onboard or purchase a browsing package starting at USD 5.

LATAM Ecuador Adds Wi-Fi Onboard: Everything You Need to Know

<a href="https://www.flyliat20.com/">LIAT 2020</a>, the new version of the airline, continues expanding after its return, adding new routes in the Caribbean and recovering destinations from the defunct LIAT (1974) Ltd.
On November 19, it arrived in South America with flights to Georgetown (GEO), Guyana, and on November 29 to Tortola (EIS) in the British Virgin Islands. On December 19 and 20, it will fly to Port of Spain (POS), Trinidad and Tobago, and Kingston (KIN), Jamaica, respectively.
LIAT 2020 started flying in April 2024, with a 70% stake by the Nigerian airline Air Peace and the remaining 30% in the hands of the Antigua &amp; Barbuda government. The African airline has invested around USD 65 million in LIAT, while the Caribbean country contributed USD 20 million.
The airline stands out for offering a full onboard service, with snacks and drinks served free of charge, which is uncommon on regional flights.
<h4>More aircraft for LIAT</h4>
LIAT 2020 began operations with two Embraer ERJ 145LR (5N-BVD and 5N-BXG), which were part of the regional fleet of Air Peace. In November, it added its third ERJ 145 (5N-BUV), and next week it will add three ATR 42-600 from the former LIAT.
The Antigua and Barbuda government emphasized that it would pay US$12.1 million into an escrow account for the acquisition of other aircraft owned by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), based in Barbados.
Among the company&#8217;s ambitious plans is to expand to the United States, with a Boeing 737-500 scheduled to operate to Miami (MIA). The Antigua and Barbuda government seeks to negotiate open skies and update an Air Services Agreement (ASA) to allow operations in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the U.S. mainland.
<img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/liat.jpg" alt="" />
<h4>Routes and destinations for January 2025</h4>
Currently, LIAT 2020 connects twelve Caribbean destinations such as Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, British Virgin Islands, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Maarten, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts &amp; Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago. It also plans to expand to Barbuda and Santo Domingo/Las Américas (SDQ).
<ul>
<li>From Antigua &amp; Barbuda
<ul>
<li>Barbados (BGI), 2 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Dominica (DOM), 3 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Georgetown (GEO), Guyana; 2 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Kingston (KIN), Jamaica; one weekly flight, (starts December 20).</li>
<li>Port of Spain (POS), Trinidad and Tobago; one weekly flight, (starts December 19).</li>
<li>Basseterre (SKB), Saint Kitts and Nevis; one weekly flight.</li>
<li>Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVD), 3 weekly flights.</li>
<li>St. Maarten (SXM), 2 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Saint Lucia (SLU), 2 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Tortola (EIS), British Virgin Islands; 2 weekly flights.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-347336 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-full'><figure class="gallery-item wpgallery"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Flightmap-SLU-GND-BGI-DOM-SLU-GEO-BGI-SLU_SLU-SVD-BGI_DOM-SVD-GND_EIS-SVD_EIS-SKB-SXM-EIS.png" alt="" /></figure><figure class="gallery-item wpgallery"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Flightmap-EIS-ANU-POS-DOM-ANU-BGI_GEO-ANU-KIN_POS-ANU-SKB_SVD-ANU-SXM_SLU-ANU.png" alt="" /></figure>
		</div>

<ul>
<li>From Barbados:
<ul>
<li>Dominica, between one and two weekly flights.</li>
<li>Grenada (GND), one weekly flight.</li>
<li>Georgetown, Guyana; 3 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Saint Lucia, one weekly flight.</li>
<li>Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, between one and two weekly flights.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>From Saint Lucia
<ul>
<li>Grenada, one weekly flight.</li>
<li>Dominica, one weekly flight.</li>
<li>Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, one weekly flight.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>From Saint Vincent and the Grenadines:
<ul>
<li>Dominica, one weekly flight.</li>
<li>Grenada, between one and two weekly flights.</li>
<li>Tortola, one weekly flight.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>From Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis:
<ul>
<li>St. Maarten, one weekly flight.</li>
<li>Tortola, British Virgin Islands; 1 weekly flight.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>From St. Maarten
<ul>
<li>Tortola, one weekly flight.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
«`

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