State-owned Aerolineas Argentinas has reached a "very advanced state" in negotiations to close the acquisition of up to 15 Airbus aircraft.
The carrier, which has already closed narrowbody fleet-renewal deals with Boeing and Embraer, has long been discussing the fate of the large Airbus order placed by former owner Marsans in 2007.
Marsans would only agree not to seek internationional arbitration over Aerolineas' forced repatriation if the Argentine Government took the outstanding aircraft, for which Marsans has deposited guarantees.
An Aerolineas source confirms that Aerolineas president Mariano Recalde, in Spain earlier this month, "unblocked the situation with Marsans" to acquire 13 Airbus aircraft.
This figure would represent a reduction of the Aerolineas order, as initially Marsans planned to place 35-40 jets with the flag-carrier.
Earlier this year, Aerolineas suggested that it was interested in 15-20 Airbus widebodies and the transport ministry still puts the number under discussion at 15.
According to the Aerolineas source, a final agreement could be reached at the International Monetary Fund meeting in Istanbul on 6-7 October as Recalde and transport secretary Juan Pablo Schiavi will be travelling there with Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.
This unusual presidential invitation is being interpreted as a "sign that the acquisition will be signed in Istanbul" as "all implied parties will be there".
Should the deal be sealed, Aerolineas could receive three Airbuses, probably A330s, from Marsans delivery slots this year.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
