With the end of the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere, Flybondi has also concluded its wet lease agreements with operators AlbaStar and Avion Express.
The two Boeing 737-800 aircraft leased from AlbaStar, registered as EC-MUB and EC-NLK, departed on April 2 from Ezeiza International Airport bound for Palma de Mallorca, with stopovers in Natal (Brazil) and Sal Island (Cape Verde). Both aircraft completed their final flights for Flybondi on March 31.
Meanwhile, the four Airbus A320ceo aircraft from Avion Express Malta, identified as LY-MLG, LY-MLJ, LY-NVL, and LY-VEL, also wrapped up operations for the Argentine carrier on March 31. They are scheduled to return to Europe on April 3, with planned stopovers in Peru, the United States, Canada, and Iceland.
The agreement between Flybondi and Avion Express began in November 2024, under an ACMI model (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance). This leasing structure allows airlines to temporarily bring in aircraft complete with crew, maintenance, and insurance, avoiding the long-term financial commitments of aircraft purchases or dry leases. The model provides flexibility to manage seasonal demand peaks, and Flybondi plans to apply it again in future high-demand periods.
“It was a proud moment to support this operation, which marks a new milestone in both Argentine and regional aviation, as the first ACMI operation in the country by foreign operators,” said Roberto Held, Commercial Development Manager for the Americas at Avion Express.
Held also highlighted that this strategy helped Flybondi expand its connectivity and increase seat availability in the Argentine market, boosting both destination options and flight frequencies during peak season. He also acknowledged the role of Argentina’s National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC) for its support in enabling such initiatives.
Avion Express maintains similar agreements across Latin America. Notably, it partners with Viva Aerobus, operating 20 A320ceo aircraft to temporarily replace A320neo and A321neo jets affected by Pratt & Whitney engine issues.
In early 2025, Avion Express Brasil also received its air operator certificate, positioning itself to meet fluctuating regional demand.
With the departure of these aircraft, Flybondi will adjust its schedules and reduce frequencies according to the availability of its own fleet. Wet leasing allowed the airline to reinforce high-demand markets such as Brazil, Bariloche, and Mendoza, and to cover gaps caused by aircraft under maintenance or awaiting parts.
According to data from the Cirium platform, Flybondi operates 15 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, each with a capacity of 189 passengers. However, the AirNav platform currently reports that only 10 of those aircraft are active.
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