Bolivia is to review an operating permit granted to Brazilian carrier TAM's embryonic Bolivian subsidiary. The move follows strike action from the Bolivian pilots' union, which believes TAM Bolivia poses a threat to Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano, AeroSur and other carriers.
The hearing could revoke the 180-day permit and will also examine a permit granted to Continental Airlines.
The TAM permit is for service from La Paz to Cochabamba, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Sucre, Tarija and Puerto Suárez, beginning in July or August (Flight International, 6-12 June). The start-up, in which 49% owner TAM is investing $120 million, will operate two Fokker 100s. More routes, possibly international, could follow, initially operated via Paraguayan affiliate, TAM Mercosur.
Source: Flight International
