Tensions Rise Between Pilots and Aerolíneas Argentinas: “Concern” vs. “Disorientation”
APLA warns of a critical situation with 18 aircraft grounded and declining market share on key routes, while the airline rejects the claims, stating operations have increased during the low season.
The Airline Pilots Association (APLA), which represents pilots at Aerolíneas Argentinas, has issued a statement warning of what it describes as an “extremely concerning” operational situation at the state-owned carrier.
“Currently, 18 aircraft are out of service—some due to delays in maintenance and others grounded because of a lack of available slots for mandatory checks,” APLA said in the communiqué.
The union characterized the situation as “deeply alarming,” accusing management of orchestrating a planned operational paralysis that “benefits competing airlines” by deliberately deprioritizing the full operation of the company. APLA also claimed that Aerolíneas Argentinas is postponing maintenance checks on its own aircraft in order to service planes operated by low-cost rival Flybondi, all while continuing to pay leasing fees on grounded aircraft.
Pilots also pointed out that Aerolíneas has lost market share on several major domestic routes. According to May 2025 data from Argentina’s ANAC, the airline recorded:
- 46% share on Aeroparque–Córdoba (down from 50% in 2024)
- 49% on Aeroparque–Bariloche (vs. 50%)
- 43% on Aeroparque–Iguazú (vs. 49%)
- 55% on Aeroparque–Salta (vs. 59%)
While Aerolíneas’ share has dropped, overall traffic has grown significantly, with passenger volumes increasing between 37% and 65% year-over-year on these routes.
In May, the airline's domestic market share dropped by 2 points to 59%, though its passenger numbers rose 17%. However, from January through May, Aerolíneas saw a 2% decline in total passengers, while the overall market grew 11%, resulting in a 7-point loss in market share—largely due to the rapid growth of jetSMART, which doubled its passenger count year-over-year.
“Who is responsible for these decisions? Who benefits from a weakened Aerolíneas?” the union questioned.
“As pilots, we will not normalize the progressive dismantling of this company. We demand an urgent review of these harmful decisions, which weaken operations, damage national connectivity, and promote unfair competition—all enabled from within the company itself,” APLA concluded.
Management Response: "Disoriented Leadership"
Aerolíneas Argentinas responded, accusing APLA leadership of being “disoriented in their demands.”
They emphasized that the airline flew more during the low season months of April, May, and June 2025 than in the same period in 2024. Cirium data confirms a 4.6% increase in flight volume and a 4.3% increase in seat capacity over that time.
Management dismissed APLA’s claims about maintenance delays as “false and misleading,” stating that 85–90% of the fleet will be in operation during the high-demand winter season, aligning with industry standards.
“The union leaders were used to flying loss-making routes with depressed fares and low load factors. That era is over. The company’s future direction is clear: we must ensure Aerolíneas' viability,” they concluded.
Contando la aviación desde marzo del año 2000. Fundador y Managing Editor de Aviacionline. Base: ROS Origen: RES
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