TAM-Bolivia has opened merger talks with Bolivian carrier Aerosur after a strike by airline unions and a government-sponsored hearing to review its recently granted operating licence. The start-up carrier, which is 49% owned by Brazilian airline TAM, was due to start domestic services next month using two Fokker 100s. Fears over the threat it poses to local airlines has stiffened resistance to the newcomer, however. Options under consideration by the two airlines include an outright merger or sale of an unspecified amount of AeroSur stock to TAM-Bolivia. A decision on whether to proceed is expected by the end of the month. Sources suggest the Bolivian Government will not object to the move. Privately owned Aerosur is the country's largest domestic operator.
Source: Flight International
