This Tuesday marked a historic milestone for the airports of Venado Tuerto and Villa María, as regular passenger flights resumed after more than a decade—and even longer in the case of Venado Tuerto.
Despite a two-hour delay due to severe storms in the region, the Metro 23 aircraft (LV-ZXA) operating Humming Airways’ inaugural flight from Aeroparque finally landed in Venado Tuerto at around 10:00 AM.
The flight then continued to Villa María, in southern Córdoba Province, taking off shortly after 11:00 AM and arriving at Buenos Aires’ Aeroparque Jorge Newbery at 12:33 PM with eight passengers on board.
Humming Airways’ New Route: Buenos Aires – Venado Tuerto – Villa María
Humming Airways, operating under a wet-lease agreement with Royal Class for the Metro 23, now offers two weekly flights on this route. The schedule is as follows:
Flight Schedule (Starting February 11)
Tuesdays
- AEP 07:00 – VNO 08:00 – VMR
- VMR 08:55 – VNO 09:30 – AEP 10:20
Wednesdays
- AEP 17:00 – VNO 18:00 – VMR 18:55
- VMR 18:55 – VNO 19:20 – AEP 20:20
Ticket Prices and Controversy
- Venado Tuerto: From USD 225 (or ARS 296,361.06) per leg.
- Carry-on luggage (12 kg) is not included and costs an additional ARS 59,600.
- Villa María: USD 300 round trip or USD 150 per leg (excluding VAT).
The airline has faced criticism over high fares, especially when compared to bus fares. The most expensive bus ticket between Villa María and Buenos Aires currently costs ARS 48,000 (about USD 42).
However, Humming Airways’ founders have repeatedly stated that their target market is corporate travelers and high-income passengers, as the route serves one of Argentina’s most productive regions.
A Quiet Return Amid a Growing Need for Air Connectivity
Strangely, the news has received little attention from local media in Villa María and Venado Tuerto, nor have the municipal governments of either city made any official statements—despite their longstanding demands for better air connectivity.
While Humming Airways’ service may not be ideal in terms of pricing, frequency, or aircraft, it represents yet another valuable effort to revive regional aviation in Argentina.
Next week, when the airline launches flights to Olavarría and Tandil, it will be interesting to see if the response is any different.
AUTOR
Contando la aviación desde marzo del año 2000. Fundador y Managing Editor de Aviacionline.
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