Andes Líneas Aéreas: How the Argentine Charter Carrier Works

History and positioning

Founded in 2005, Andes Líneas Aéreas has specialized in the charter market rather than regular scheduled flights, a positioning that clearly sets it apart from other Argentine airlines of the same size and that has allowed it to grow without competing directly with the big scheduled carriers on the same routes. It operates mainly from Buenos Aires/Ezeiza, Rosario and Bariloche, negotiating capacity with tour operators instead of selling individual tickets as a traditional scheduled carrier would, a model that reduces direct commercial risk but makes it dependent on the health of the organized tourism sector. Over the years the airline has built long-term relationships with Argentine tour operators specializing in school trips, a segment that generates relatively predictable demand year after year.

The fleet

The fleet now counts four Boeing 737s: two 737-800s from the airline's first phase of growth and two more recently acquired 737-700s, smaller but with slightly longer range, useful for the longer-haul charter routes to Brazil and the Caribbean. The average age of the aircraft remains relatively low compared with other regional charter operators, a competitive advantage in attracting contracts from demanding tour operators.

Routes and network

Charter destinations change seasonally according to tourist demand: Florianópolis, Porto Seguro and Cabo Frio in Brazil, Varadero and Cayo Largo in Cuba, and Bariloche for domestic tourism and onward to Uruguay. There is no fixed scheduled network comparable to that of a traditional carrier, and the routes active at any given time depend on the charter contracts in progress with partner tour operators. The routes to Cuba, in particular Varadero and Cayo Largo, remain among the most requested by the Argentine charter market for southern-hemisphere winter holidays.

Fares and baggage

Ticket purchase almost always goes through an agency or a tour package, not directly from the airline's website, and the baggage, change and cancellation conditions depend largely on the tour operator's charter contract rather than on a standard public fare published by the airline itself.

What passengers say

Those who have flown with Andes as part of a school or sports package generally report simple but adequate onboard service for flights of a few hours, in line with the expectations of a charter flight rather than a premium product. The available reviews almost always come from people who bought a complete package, which makes it hard to isolate the flight experience from that of the stay as a whole.

• Charter fares often competitive when included in an organized package.
• Punctuality judged average for the charter segment.
• A recent fleet on the longer routes thanks to the new 737-700s.
• The possibility of tailor-made charters for large groups, schools or sports teams.

• Schedule changes communicated at short notice, more often by the tour operator than by the airline.
• No flexible direct booking channel like a traditional scheduled carrier.
• A destination network that varies season by season, with no guarantee of continuity.
• No guarantee that the same charter route will continue from one season to the next.

Andes is the typical choice for those traveling with an organized group to a South American or Caribbean vacation destination, not for those looking for a flexible scheduled flight they can change on their own. If you need to change the date or time at the last moment, this is not the right carrier: flexibility depends on the conditions of the package purchased. Always keep the tour operator's contact details, not just the airline's, for any last-minute change.