SkyTeam affiliate Aerolineas Argentinas has encountered significant challenges — the carrier has been under government ownership since 2008 and has experienced financial losses for 18 straight years. While the airline received sufficient backing to remain operational, it lacked the requisite investments for true success.
Incredibly, over the past few years, the airline has begun to turn a profit — reporting $56.6 million in 2024 and $112.7 million in 2025, signaling a positive shift for the carrier. Notably, 2025 marked the first year since nationalization that the airline did not depend on governmental assistance.
At the end of 2025, it was revealed that Aerolineas Argentinas intended to make a significant investment, focusing on acquiring new aircraft and enhancing the passenger experience. More details regarding the execution and timeline of these plans are now emerging. The airline will also introduce a competitive business class offering!
Aerolineas Argentinas to purchase 20 Airbus & Boeing aircraft
Currently, Aerolineas Argentinas operates a fleet of approximately 80 aircraft, which includes Airbus A330s, Boeing 737s, and Embraer E190s. The airline is set to expand its fleet by leasing 20 modern aircraft:
- Aerolineas Argentinas will take delivery of six Airbus A330-900s, which will augment the existing fleet of 10 A330-200s; deliveries are slated to begin in the first half of 2028
- Aerolineas Argentinas plans to acquire 14 more Boeing 737 MAXs, comprising six 737 MAX 8s and eight 737 MAX 10s, enhancing the current fleet of 15 737 MAX 8s (alongside four 737-700s and 28 737-800s); the new 737 MAX 8s are expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2027, with the 737 MAX 10s following in 2028 (pending certification, which should occur soon… ideally)
It’s thrilling to witness Aerolineas Argentinas modernizing its fleet in this manner! All indications suggest that deliveries of these aircraft will be completed by 2031.
Aerolineas Argentinas enhancing passenger comfort
In addition to acquiring new planes, Aerolineas Argentinas also intends to update the interiors of its existing fleet, part of a $65 million investment.
The airline aims to retrofit the cabins of its Airbus A330s, introducing a new business class offering. The goal is to create a consistent passenger experience across both the A330-200s and the A330-900neos. Currently, the airline features angled seating in business class arranged in a 2-2-2 layout, which is quite outdated by today’s standards.
New information is available regarding the onboard experience of the forthcoming A330-900neos. These aircraft will feature 291 seats total, including 30 business class seats, 24 premium economy seats, and 237 economy seats. Expect a similar configuration to ITA Airways’ Airbus A330-900neos, incorporating the same staggered Vantage XL seating in business class.
Starting in 2027, Aerolineas Argentinas plans to roll out Wi-Fi across its fleet, initially on A330s, then on 737s and E190s. The airline has chosen Intelsat for its multi-orbit connectivity, utilizing a new electronically steered array antenna.
Conclusion
For the first time in many years, Aerolineas Argentinas is significantly investing in enhancing its passenger experience. The airline is adding 20 new aircraft (Airbus A330neos and Boeing 737 MAXs), upgrading its long-haul aircraft (including a new business class), and implementing Wi-Fi throughout its fleet.
While we first learned of these overall plans late last year, the specifics are finally falling into place regarding delivery timelines, the new cabin layouts, and so forth.
What are your thoughts on these developments at Aerolineas Argentinas?