Overview
- The Economy Ministry is vetting a structure that would transfer 51% to a private operator, assign a significant stake to employees, leave a minor portion with the state, and potentially create a limited state golden share for strategic vetoes.
- Officials have held informal outreach with potential buyers, with Avianca viewed as best positioned given its multi‑brand strategy, while LATAM assessed the option but is reluctant to retain the Aerolíneas brand.
- Preserving the Aerolíneas Argentinas name is a key condition in talks, with some sources indicating it could be required for many years.
- Contacts have also included Air France‑KLM, and domestic interest has surfaced from Flybondi’s owner, whereas the Iberia–British Airways group is described as unlikely to participate.
- The process remains confidential during peak travel season with no formal offer launched, and prospective bidders are seeking legal certainty despite a 2024 decree that labeled the airline subject to privatization.