More chainsaw: Aerolíneas Argentinas closes offices to maintain the surplus

The flag carrier airline will close 17 of its 21 commercial offices in various cities across the country as part of a cost-cutting and internal reorganization strategy. The measure is taken after the company recorded its first positive economic result since its nationalization.

According to sources from Aerolíneas Argentinas confirmed to Perfil, some of these offices have already ceased their activities and others will do so during this week. The branches in Tucumán and Mar del Plata will cease operations on May 30.

Structural changes in the customer service model

The closure of physical offices responds to new consumption habits, where the digital channel has become dominant.

"In-person sales represent just 1% of the total tickets issued," the company noted.

The offices that will close their doors before the end of April are located in Ushuaia, El Calafate, San Juan, Jujuy, Rosario, Comodoro Rivadavia, Posadas, Salta, Neuquén, Bahía Blanca, Bariloche, Trelew, Formosa, Santa Fe, Río Gallegos, Río Grande, and Corrientes.

During the pandemic, the Puerto Iguazú office was already closed, which never resumed its operation. With this new measure, only the commercial offices in Córdoba and Mendoza will remain operational.

Staff reduction and operational improvements

This decision is part of a broader policy of resource optimization. Aerolíneas Argentinas reduced its workforce by 15%, reaching the lowest level of staff in 14 years and the lowest employee/aircraft ratio since its founding.

"The staff from the closed offices will be reassigned to local airports to strengthen operational positions," the company explained.

Financial surplus for the first time since nationalization

Aerolíneas Argentinas closed the 2024 fiscal year with a surplus of $156,323.9 million, according to data from the National Budget Office. It is the first positive balance since the company returned to state control.

An operating profit (EBIT) of $20.7 million was also recorded, a key indicator for evaluating real performance in the aviation sector.

Regarding overall economic performance, capital resources amounted to $237,460.3 million, with a nominal year-on-year increase of 746.8%. Meanwhile, capital expenditures were $104,665.4 million, generating a net positive financial balance of the same value.

More than 18 million tickets sold in 2024

The good financial result was accompanied by a sales record: 18,391,301 tickets issued. Of that total, 10,161,301 correplied to domestic flights. Additionally, there were:

• 1,770,029 passengers on regional flights
• 392,809 to Europe
• 388,021 to Interamerica destinations
• 325,200 to the United States
• 58,387 unassigned
• 5,295,554 corresponding to cargo transport

The company assured that it will continue to prioritize digital service through its website, which currently constitutes its main direct sales channel.