Aerolíneas Argentinas has begun an expansion and modernisation programme, with the airline's chief executive Antonio Mata earmarking around $200 million to support its network growth. The Argentinian flag carrier recently introduced an ex-Oman Air Airbus A310-300 on wet lease from Air Plus Comet, while the first of four secondhand Boeing 747-400s - an ex-Air Canada aircraft - will enter service next month. The four 747s will be used to replace a similar number of 747-200s on European routes - primarily on services to Madrid and Rome - as well as to launch services to Beijing in May. In parallel with the network expansion, Mata has indicated that staff levels will be increased by 1,700 during 2004.
Source: Flight International
