JACKSON FLORES / RIO DE JANEIRO
Colombian state-owned airline Satena has signed a memorandum of understanding covering the purchase of two Embraer EMB-145LR regional jets. The aircraft are due to be delivered by December.
Satena recently secured a $20.6 million credit to acquire the two aircraft and improve its cash flow.
Meanwhile Colombian start-up carrier Aerolíneas Estelar has been forced to postpone launching services by 90 days to December. The delay follows a shareholder reshuffling, with foreign investors now owning 65% of the airline.
This was further compounded by opposition from local airlines Aires, AeroRepublica and Avianca, which have objected to the awarding of key routes to Aerolíneas Estelar.
Aimed at providing local businessmen with scheduled services between major Colombian destinations, the airline has already received five Embraer EMB-120ER Brasilias and will fly to 18 destinations.
Source: Flight International
