US low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines is in talks with Aires that could lead to a purchase of the Colombian airline. Colombia's recent award to Aires of daily flights from Bogota to Fort Lauderdale prompted the talks. Fort Lauderdale is also Spirit's gateway to Latin America.
The two carriers are discussing having Spirit providing ground handling services for Aires at Fort Lauderdale, codesharing on the Colombian route, and Spirit buying part or all of Aires. Spirit is also reportedly interested in buying Aeroasis, a Colombian start-up that is authorised but has not yet launched services.
Aires only now operates a fleet of Bombardier Dash 8 turboprops and is now looking for narrowbody aircraft to support the new US service.
Source: Airline Business
