Aerolineas Argentinas has announced plans to acquire 18 new aircraft as part of its first ever self-funded fleet investment.
The Argentine flag carrier said the “key” to its plans will be the acquisition of four new A330neo widebody aircraft for its long-haul operations.
The A330neo is favoured by the airline due to its similarity — in spare parts, simulators, and technical training — with the A330ceo, which Aerolineas Argentinas already operates.
These new additions will be accompanied by an upgrade to the cabin interiors of the A330ceo fleet.
For its medium-haul and domestic services, Aerolineas Argentinas plans to add 14 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, including two MAX 8s, four MAX 9s, and eight MAX 10s. These will add to the 15 MAX 8s that the flag carrier currently operates.
“These aircraft will enter Aerolíneas under an operating lease, an instrument that provides the necessary flexibility to advance in the modernisation of its fleet without compromising its financial stability,” the company said.
Alongside aircraft acquisition, Aerolineas Argentinas will invest over $65 million in seating capacity and connectivity, including the installation of WiFi across its entire fleet.
In a statement, the flag carrier said that 2025 will be the first year that it does not receive any funding from Argentina’s national treasury.
This was described as an "unprecedented milestone", given the company’s poor financial performance up until recently.
Between 2008 and 2023, Aerolineas Argentinas’ annual losses averaged at about $400 million.
This loss-making streak was finally broken in 2024, when the flag carrier delivered an operating profit (EBIT) of $56.6 million — which the company expects to double in 2025.