By Ricardo J. Delpiano
Aires is one of the first experiments to establish a low-cost model in Colombia, through which he could open a new business segment and expand the passenger transport market, benefiting users many of which were for the first time the possibility access to air travel. An example of this was to have transported a million passengers in the first seven years, a figure no less if we consider that the company used at the time regional aircraft under 50 seats.
Aires started its restructuring process to fit the model of LAN. A change in the route network is now preparing to introduce a new concept of service to passengers. Photo: Alex Rivera
Throughout its history, Aires developed an internal network within Colombia uniting the different regions of the country without developing a hub concept, as with the other companies operating in the market, thanks to the use of a fleet of small capacity which assured him a load factor acceptable. The success of the model implemented by Aires, allowed to generate significant growth, the most significant in recent years, when the airline introduced its Boeing 737-700 and began its international expansion, leading to various points in the U.S., Caribbean and Central America as well as ambitious projects to open new routes in South America to receive the permits. However, the relatively rapid growth was eclipsed in 2010, with the problems of delays and cancellations Aires lived, forcing the company to restructure the network, provided adapt the mesh routing capabilities to the fleet.
With input from LAN, the low cost Colombia the process became more evident, the first step was the cancellation of international services, leaving only the route to Fort Lauderdale from Bogotá. This was compounded by the reorganization of services concentrating operations in the Colombian capital, which happens to be the hub of Aires, where you can connect with other flights LAN Airlines arriving at El Dorado airport.
Five months after its acquisition, Air is now working on matching their services to LAN standards, which will be another of the most visible changes will see passengers. Aires as a good low cost carrier, offering paid services offered by some services, like carrying a second bag for example, something that LAN does not use and so far no plan to use. The Colombian subsidiary now passengers will enter the LASER model, the successful model developed by LAN for its domestic routes, as applied in Chile, Peru and Ecuador.
Model "LASER" was developed in 2006 as a response to the expansion of low-cost model in South America, after the expansion of GOL outside Brazil and in response to the increase in air transport costs during those years. This model, so-called low-cost by the media, is the combination of low cost with traditional service, capturing aspects of each. Just to mention some examples, the low cost model was made operational efficiency and reduced turn around times at airports, a policy of aggressive online media sales, new pricing structures, etc., While the traditional service maintained for example, non-payment of services provided (catering, audio video).
Since its inception, this model led to a revolution in air transport, significantly increasing the number of passengers, many of which could fly for the first time. The model's success was also reflected in the financial performance of the company and was replicated for the next years in Peru, Ecuador with the same result and is now preparing for its implementation in Colombia, where it should have similar behavior. Taking Aires base model, incorporating the philosophy of LASER, constitute a significant upgrade items service currently offered Aires, in addition to providing interesting news on the operational side. While
defines what will happen to AerOasis, restructuring Aires and implementation of LAN model in the company, allow the airline to ensure low-cost market in Colombia, but also attract passengers seeking a service higher, favoring its competitive position against other airlines including Avianca and Copa.
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