Thanks to the surplus caused by Javier Milei's government, Aerolíneas Argentinas has confirmed an ambitious plan to incorporate 18 new aircraft along with an investment of 65 million dollars aimed at modernizing cabins, interiors, and onboard services.
The most relevant aspect of the announcement is that, for the first time since its renationalization, the state-owned company will be able to fully finance these improvements with its own resources, without resorting to State contributions. This situation is possible thanks to the financial balance achieved during President Milei's administration, which solved the company's financial problems after decades of deficit.
The fleet expansion will not be carried out through direct purchases, but rather through the operating lease model with international companies (lessors), which provide aircraft under lease contracts ranging from 10 to 20 years.
This modality allows for accelerated timelines and avoids the enormous initial outlay required to purchase an aircraft, whose base cost can be around USD 250 million. According to market values, each aircraft entails between USD 800,000 and USD 1.5 million per month in rent, depending on the chosen model.
The expansion plan includes the arrival of four Airbus A330neo for long-haul routes and fourteen Boeing MAX in its 8, 9, and 10 variants. The airline's board of directors has already begun the approval process for the four Airbus and two Boeing MAX8, while the management of the remaining aircraft will take place in a second phase. The schedule projects that the first planes will arrive at the end of 2026 and that the complete modernization will be completed between 2027 and 2029.
