Aerolineas Argentinas strengthens its long-haul fleet

Four more A340-300 aircraft raise Aerolineas’ A340 fleet to 11 aircraft

Aerolineas Argentinas is well known for constantly re-inventing itself, even in the toughest of times. Even though 2011 was heavily marked by flight disruptions caused by Chilean volcano “Puyehue”, Aerolineas has seen positive news as well.

The new Terminal “C” at Aerolineas’ international airport hub in Buenos Aires (Ezeiza) was inaugurated last July, offering passengers better connectivity and new VIP lounge access. Aerolineas also initiated a code-share agreement with Delta Airlines, which allows the airline to expand coverage to North America, ultimately paving the way to this year’s introduction into the Sky Team airline alliance.

The fact that Aerolineas will be the first South American airline to join this alliance is one of the factors that have made fleet renovation key to their business plan. In early 2011, Aerolineas’ long-haul fleet consisted of four A340-200s, three A340-300s and three 747-400s. The year 2011 ended with the news of the arrival of four new A340-300 into the long-haul fleet and the retirement of the airline’s 747s by early 2012.

While the first and second A340-300s (MSN 123 and MSN 126, Cathay Pacific aircraft) joined Aerolineas fleet in December 2011, the third and last (former Cathay A340-300 MSN128) was just delivered in February 2012. These aircraft will have a cabin configuration with a total of 287 passengers, (30 in Club Cóndor and 257 in tourist class) and are powered by General Electric CFM56-5C4 engines.

The fourth A340-300, a (former Air France aircraft, MSN 373) was delivered in December 2011 and brings Aerolineas A340 fleet to a total of 11 aircraft, making it one of the largest A340 fleets in the world.

Since 2009, Aerolineas Argentinas’ objectives have centered on the commonality, efficiency and modernity of its fleet. The A340s will homogenize the long-haul fleet, reduce maintenance costs and increase efficiency. Frequencies on routes as important as Buenos Aires-Madrid, which will be served with 10 weekly flights, will be boosted with the new aircraft. The A340’s long range capability, with over 12,000 km reach, provides new opportunities by opening new routes and strengthens Aerolineas’ competitiveness in the long-haul market.

For more information contact:
Amaya Rodriguez GonzalezAirline
Marketing Director – Latin America & Caribbean
amaya.rodriguez-gonzalez@airbus.com