Dublin2BuenosAires
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- Feb 21, 2012
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Of course, that same government prevents LAN - a superior airline - from importing additional planes to expand its services because Aerolíneas would be an even bigger money loser. This inept government has no business trying to run any business.
Soundbites are easy, and a significant part of the problem drowning serious political discourse in this country.
I agree, the currently govt is appalling, however unless we understand the root cause of why the where elected then we are doomed to repeat the same pendulum swings of bad govt.
AA was gutted and turned into a basketcase. It was owned by completely incompetent entity (Grupo Marsans), who later went bankrupt and whose former directors face prison in Europe. Infrastructure upgrade was required, at that time LAN weren't bidding for route expansion.
From my limited understanding of Aviation I would say that the govt needs to split off the airline from the routes. Routes should be subject to license, and should be sold by the govt. Non-profitable local routes should be supported by licensing profitable routes to 3rd parties and should also be supported by govt subsidy, as happens in many other national carriers. Not every route is profitable, licensing conditions as I understand, stipulate certain investment in national infrastructure.
If LAN are on board with those conditions, let them buy the license (or slots, whatever the correct terminology is) to operate the route, no problem at all with that. The govt dont see it that way as they are clinging to their protectionist ideals, incorrectly.
In short, I agree, let LAN in, but let's not forget the rotten state that Grupo Marsans left AA in. If it can be sold again, it should be sold with solid terms and conditions re: investment and maintenance.