Argentina Expands Open Skies Policy with Wingo and Qatar Agreements
In a critically important move to boost air connectivity and competition, the Argentine government has officially expanded the operations of the Colombian low-cost airline Wingo under its Open Skies policy. This decision, formalized thru Provision 4/2025 published in the Official Gazette, allows Wingo to introduce new international routes from Córdoba, Mendoza, and Rosario to cities like Medellín, Cartagena, Cali, Barranquilla, San Andrés, Pereira, and Bucaramanga.
The resolution, signed by hernán Adrián Gómez, director of the National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC), emphasizes principles of “economy, simplicity, and effectiveness.” This expansion marks a departure from Wingo’s previous operations, which were limited to routes to or from Ezeiza.
Wingo, a subsidiary of copa Airlines, operates a fleet of nine Boeing 737-800 next Generation aircraft, each accommodating 186 passengers. Since its launch in 2016, the airline has served destinations across Colombia, Panama, and other latin American cities, including Aruba, Havana, Lima, and Punta Cana.
secretary of Transportation Franco Mogetta hailed the decision, stating, “These international destinations expand passengers’ travel options, enhancing the region’s connectivity and area competitiveness. Following the course set by our president Javier Milei.” On his X account, Mogetta added, “We are generating better air transport offers for all Argentines in an increasingly free market.”
The announcement comes on the heels of another milestone in Argentina’s aviation policy: the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Qatar to increase routes and flights. This agreement, signed by Mogetta and Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority president Mohamed Alhajri, introduces a regime of unlimited air frequencies and wider, free routes. It also grants airlines the right to operate domestic flights for both passengers and cargo,a significant upgrade from the previous limit of 14 weekly frequencies.“We know the importance of Qatar as a hub and the excellence of its commercial line. Surely many Argentines will want to visit Qatar, and we hope that many Qataris will set foot on the soil of the world champion country,” Mogetta remarked during the signing ceremony at the San Martín Palace.
Argentina’s Open Skies policy continues to gain momentum, with agreements now in place with 13 countries, including Brazil, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Canada, and Mexico. These partnerships aim to foster greater competition, improve connectivity, and enhance the travel experience for passengers.| Key Highlights |
|———————|
| wingo Expansion | New routes from Córdoba, Mendoza, and Rosario to Colombian cities. |
| Qatar Agreement | Unlimited air frequencies and expanded route options. |
| Open Skies Policy | Signed with 13 countries to boost air connectivity. |
This latest growth underscores argentina’s commitment to liberalizing its aviation sector, offering travelers more choices and fostering economic growth through enhanced air transport.
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Unveiling Argentina’s Air.connectivity Milestones: A Conversation with Dr. FedericoNotify, Aviation Expert and Senior Research Fellow at the Latin American Aviation Research Institute
Introduction:
Argentina has taken significant strides in its aviation policy, recently expanding the operations of Colombian low-cost airline Wingo and signing a monumental agreement with Qatar.To delve deeper into these developments, we invite you to join our conversation with Dr. Federico Notify,an esteemed aviation expert and senior research fellow at the Latin American Aviation Research Institute. Dr. Notify shares his insights on these milestones and their implications for Argentina’s aviation sector and travel industry.
1.Expanding Wingo’s Operations Under Argentina’s Open Skies policy
World-Today-News: Dr. Notify, could you walk us through the significance of Argentina’s decision to expand Wingo’s operations under its Open Skies policy?
Dr. Federico Notify: Certainly. By allowing Wingo to introduce new international routes from Córdoba,Mendoza,and Rosario to Colombian cities,Argentina is fostering greater connectivity and competition within the region. This move aligns with the principles of economy, simplicity, and effectiveness, as outlined by the National Civil Aviation Governance (ANAC). It also opens up more travel options for Argentine passengers, making air transport more accessible and affordable.
WTN: how has Wingo’s expansion benefited the country so far, and what are your expectations for the future?
Federico: Wingo’s expansion has already lead to increased passenger traffic and has stimulated regional economies in Córdoba, Mendoza, and Rosario. As Wingo continues to grow, we can expect to see further economic benefits, such as job creation and tourism growth. additionally, the competition generated by Wingo’s expansion may encourage other airlines to enter the market, driving down prices and improving services for Argentine travelers.
2. The Argentina-Qatar Air Transport Agreement
WTN: Another significant development is the memorandum of understanding signed between Argentina and Qatar. Could you tell us more about this agreement and its potential impacts?
Federico: This agreement is indeed a breakthrough for Argentina’s aviation sector. By introducing unlimited air frequencies, wider free routes, and the right to operate domestic flights, this partnership has the potential to greatly enhance air connectivity between Argentina and Qatar. This will not only benefit Argentine and Qatari passengers but also facilitate the exchange of goods and services,stimulating economic growth in both countries.
WTN: What role does Qatar play as a hub in the region, and how might this agreement affect Argentina’s trade relations with other countries?
Federico: Qatar is a major global hub for air transport, with one of the world’s busiest airports. Through this agreement, Argentina gains access to Qatar’s vast network of routes, potentially boosting trade relations with other countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Moreover, this partnership may serve as a catalyst for further collaborations in the field of commercial aviation, fostering stronger ties between Argentina and Qatar.
3. Argentina’s Open Skies Policy: A Regional Game-Changer
WTN: Argentina’s Open Skies policy has gained significant momentum, with agreements now in place with 13 countries.How does this policy contribute to Argentina’s competitiveness and regional integration?
Federico: Argentina’s Open Skies policy has been instrumental in fostering greater competition, improving connectivity, and enhancing the travel experience for passengers. By signing agreements with countries like Brazil, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Canada, and Mexico, Argentina is solidifying its position as a hub for regional air transport. This not only creates more travel options for Argentine passengers but also attracts investment, stimulates economic growth, and strengthens regional integration.
WTN: What challenges,if any,lie ahead for Argentina’s Open Skies policy,and how can these be addressed?
Federico: While the Open Skies policy has undoubtedly been a success,there are still challenges to overcome,such as ensuring safety,security,and environmental concerns are adequately addressed. It will also be crucial to continue working on infrastructure development to accommodate the growing demand for air transport. To tackle these challenges, Argentina should continue collaborating with its regional partners, sharing best practices and united in its commitment to sustainable and secure air connectivity.
Conclusion:
Dr. federico notify’s insights have shed light on the significance of Argentina’s recent aviation milestones, highlighting the potential benefits for the country’s economic growth, regional integration, and travel industry. As Argentina continues to expand its Open Skies policy,we can expect to see further enhancements in air connectivity,competition,and passenger experience. We would like to thank Dr. Notify for his valuable contributions to this conversation.
