LATAM Airlines Argentina has ceased domestic passenger and cargo operations for an “indefinite period” but international freight connections remain in place.
In late May, LATAM Airlines Group and its affiliates in Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and the US filed a voluntary reorganization and restructuring of their debt under Chapter 11 protection in the US.
LATAM Airlines Argentina is the group’s only affiliate to stop operations. The decision affects flights to and from 12 domestic destinations.
LATAM Cargo, will continue operating from and to Argentina in order to connect cargo with the Latin American region and the world.
The parent carrier stated: “International destinations operated by the air cargo unit, LATAM Cargo, will remain active according to their clients’ needs.”
LATAM Cargo confirmed that each week it transports an average of 270 tons of Argentine exported goods – including berries, fresh meats and pharmaceuticals – and 290 tons of imported goods (mainly auto parts, industrial machinery and pharma).
LATAM Airlines said that the announcement regarding Argentina is a result of current market conditions, exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and “the difficulty of building structural agreements with local industry actors, which has made it impossible to foresee a viable and sustainable long-term project.”
Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group said: “This is regrettable but inevitable news. Today, LATAM must focus on transforming the group to adapt to post-COVID-19 aviation.
“Argentina has always been a fundamental country for the group and will remain so, with LATAM’s other affiliates continuing to connect passengers from Argentina with Latin America and the world.”
