Two foreign-backed Peruvian start-up airlines are preparing to fill the domestic and international void left by AeroPeru, as time runs out to rescue the bankrupt national carrier.
Chilean-backed LanPeru aimed to start scheduled services on 5 July and will be joined shortly by Central American-supported TransAm. The carriers have promised to commit an initial seven narrowbody jets to the market, to serve at least five Peruvian cities.
LanPeru has been granted an operating permit and will launch services with a single Boeing 737-200 operating from Lima to Cuzco and Arequipa. LanChile, which holds a 49% stake in the new carrier, plans to provide a second 737 from 19 July.
TransAm is on the "verge of getting a permit and expects to operate domestically and internationally", says president Daniel Ratti. The carrier is to start with three 737-200Advs and two Airbus A320s on a five-year operating lease from Grupo TACA. "Grupo TACA is our partner and has the option to buy up to a 49% stake," adds Ratti.
Dry-leased 737s will be used domestically from Lima to Cuzco, Piura and Trujillo and on international services to Bogota, in Colombia; Caracas, in Venezuela; La Paz, in Bolivia; Quito, in Ecuador; and Santiago, in Chile. The A320s, initially to be wet- leased, are for use on routes to Buenos Aires, in Argentina, Mexico City and Sao Paulo, in Brazil, as well as to Miami, Florida.
The government's decision to permit the entry of LanPeru and TransAm has been cited as the main reason for Continental pulling out of a 49% investment in AeroPeru. Creditors have given the airline until 12 July to find a new backer, or face liquidation.
Meanwhile, Continental is rumoured to have turned its attention to neighbouring Colombia, where Avianca is looking for a strategic partner. The Bogota-based carrier is understood to be looking to sell up to 30% to an international investor.
Source: Flight International
