Aviation industry has witnessed different kinds of wars in the past.
However, the latest scuffle that is grabbing limelight recently is
taking place in battleground Argentina. The unsaid fight is between LAN
Argentina and Aerolineas Argentinas in Buenos Aires. LAN, which has been
sincerely serving customers across the Latin American territory, has
been asked to vacate its Aeroparque hangar in the capital city.
The airline does not seem to be in a mood to budge and has retaliated in
its own interest. However, it is the customers, whose interests are at
stake in reality. Apparently, the state-run Aerolineas Argentinas seems
to be threatened by LAN’s presence in its home market. It fears that LAN
might siphon away its customers and hence eat into its market shares.
This battle is throwing different twists and turns with every new
development. Aerolineas Argentinas, which is backed by the powerful
government of the country led by Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner is in a
strong position. However, LAN has the support of its loyal customers and
goodwill behind it. It maintains that it is regular with the payment of
hangar rents and has signed a contract with the authorities. This
contract is valid through 2023.
The Chilean-Brazilian airline might have to face hard times in the
future against the flagship carrier of Argentina. The decision to eject
LAN from the airport has stirred unrest amongst the travel agents and
trade unions for the fear of losing their jobs. The government on the
other hand is accusing it of rousing emotions among the workers against
Argentina.
In the midst of it all the big questions remains unanswered. Who will
compensate the passengers in case LAN ceases operations in Argentina?