FLEET UPDATE: Aerolineas Argentinas A330-200 - Brief History 2013-2023 & Latest News

Aerolineas Argentinas A330-202, LV-FVH (c/n 1605), in special 2022 World Cup scheme featuring vinyl lacquer stickers with the images of Lionel Messi, other star Argentine players and the team's official Adidas game jersey at Madrid (MAD) on 12Oct22. (Photo: Lanzarote Spotter - Jesus M. de Leon) 

Aerolineas Argentinas has operated several types of aircraft on its long haul / intercontinental routes, including in the jet age - the de Havilland Comet 4, Boeing 707 / 747 (200, 400 and SP) and Airbus A310 / A340, followed by the introduction of the Airbus A330 in 2013.

The airline has operated 12 A330's so far with details below:

Four Used A330-223's delivered in 2013 and 2014 

Aerolineas Argentinas' first four A330's were all -223 models. 

Two of these aircraft, LV-FNI (c/n 290) and LV-FNJ (c/n 300), were first delivered to SABENA in 1999 with both going on to fly for VG Airlines and Malaysia Airlines before joining Aerolineas in September 2013 and June 2014, respectively.   

The other two A330-223's, LV-FNK (c/n 358) and LV-FNL (c/n 364), were originally delivered to Air Afrique in 2000 and proceeded to serve an identical sequence of operators; Calliope, Eurofly, Atlas Jet, Saudi Arabian, and Atlas Jet again before going on to Aerolineas in November and December 2013, respectively. 

The A330-223's were used on the airline's long haul routes in the Americas, such as Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) to Miami (MIA), New York Kennedy (JFK), Punta Cana (PUJ) and Cancun (CUN), but they did not have enough range to fly from Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) to the European points on Aerolineas' scheduled route network, such as Madrid (MAD) and Rome-Fiumicino (FCO), with a full passenger and cargo payload.  So, the airline's A340-300 fleet, which still consisted of seven airframes in 2015, continued to cover the carrier's European routes. 

Four New A330-202 Deliveries directly from the Airbus Factory in 2015 and 2016

Aerolineas Argentinas placed an order with Airbus for four new factory-fresh A330-202's on 12Feb14 powered by General Electric CF6-80E1A4 engines to be delivered in 2015 and 2016.  The second generation of A330's for Aerolineas had the range to fly from Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) to Rome-Fiumicino (FCO), the longest nonstop sector on the carrier's route network, enabling Aerolineas to start planning the retirement of its last A340's. 

LV-FVH (c/n 1605) was delivered to Aerolineas on 28Feb15.  This is the aircraft that was decorated in the special 2022 World Cup scheme pictured at the top of this posting, which also flew the Argentine national men's football / soccer team home from Doha, Qatar as the recently victorious World Champions.   

LV-FVI (c/n 1623) was delivered to Aerolineas on 30Apr15.

LV-GHQ (c/n 1737) was delivered to Aerolineas on 05Aug16.

LV-GIF (c/n 1748) was delivered to Aerolineas on 02Nov16.

With the above aircraft deliveries, Aerolineas' A330 fleet stood at a total of eight aircraft.

Two Used A330-203 Deliveries in 2016 and 2017 

LV-GKO (c/n 587), which was originally delivered to EVA Air of Taiwan in 2004, joined the Aerolineas fleet on 13Sep16 on lease from AirCastle. 

LV-GKP (c/n 634), which was also originally delivered to EVA Air in 2004, joined the Aerolineas fleet on 10Feb17 on lease from AirCastle. 

  

These new additions brought Aerolineas' A330 fleet to a total of ten aircraft in 2017.

This set the stage for Aerolineas to retire its final two A340-300's, LV-FPV (c/n 193) and LV-FPU (c/n 170) in December 2019 and February 2020, respectively. 

Two More Used A330-202 Deliveries in 2022

LV-KAN (c/n 877), which was first delivered to TAP Air Portugal in 2007, joined the Aerolineas fleet on 13Apr22. 

LV-KAO (c/n 899), which was first delivered to TAP Air Portugal in 2008, joined the Aerolineas fleet on 18Jul22.  

During the same time period, Aerolineas stored its four original A330-223's LV-FNI (c/n 290), LV-FNJ (c/n 300), LV-FNK (c/n 358) and LV-FNL (c/n 364) in 2021 / 2022 and progressively returned them to their lessors with the last airframe, LV-FNK, departing the fleet in October 2022, leaving the carrier with a total fleet of eight A330-202/203 at the end of 2022. 

In addition to its international long-haul destinations, Aerolineas has used its A330-200 fleet on domestic flights to heavily traveled touristic destinations, such as Bariloche (BRC), El Calafate (FTE), Puerto Iguazu (IGR), and Ushuaia (USH) during their respective high seasons. 

Typical A330 utilization by Aerolineas is approx. 4,000 flight hours per aircraft, per year with an average of 9.5 hours / cycle.  

Aerolineas has always operated its Buenos Aires A330 services out of Ezeiza (EZE) airport although with the extension and widening of the runway at Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP) during its pandemic closure in 2020, the smaller city airport can now accommodate A330's flying to Miami (MIA), which it appears will become a reality in the coming months.  To the best of your editor's knowledge, no A330 has ever taken off or landed at Aeroparque. 

STOP THE PRESSES !  

Aerolineas Argentinas' latest acquisition, A330-243, LV-KHT (c/n 1191) is enroute at the time of this blog posting, from the Marana (MZJ) Arizona storage facility in the United States to Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) with an expected arrival on the morning of 21May23.  

Sister ship LV-KHU (c/n 1223), also an A330-243, is scheduled for delivery in the near future.  Both aircraft were originally delivered to South African Airways in 2011 before being returned to lessor Air Castle in 2020.  With these two new additions, Aerolineas Argentinas' A330 fleet will once again reach the peak of ten A330's that it had in 2017.  This will allow the airline to increase service from Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) to Madrid (MAD) (12x/weekly) and Rome-Fiumicino (FCO) (5x/weekly) in July of this year.   

Special thanks to Jesus M. de Leon for permission to use the heading photo. 

Sources:

https://lanzarotespotter.wordpress.com/2022/10/12/lv-fvh-aerolineas-argentinas-airbus-a330-202/

http://argentina-airline-news.blogspot.com/2017/03/fleet-update-aerolineas-argentinas-took.html

http://argentina-airline-news.blogspot.com/2018/03/aerolineas-argentinas-to-make-decision.html

http://argentina-airline-news.blogspot.com/2020/12/aerolineas-argentinas-a330-200-departs.html

https://www.aviacionline.com/2022/05/aerolineas-argentinas-abre-concurso-para-incorporar-dos-airbus-a330-200/

https://www.aviacionline.com/2022/10/sueno-en-marcha-aerolineas-argentinas-presento-su-avion-del-mundial/

https://www.aviacionline.com/2022/11/aerolineas-argentinas-made-a-new-special-flight-to-paris/

https://www.sirchandler.com.ar/2023/05/aerolineas-argentinas-recibe-un-airbus-330/

https://www.airfleets.net/flottecie/Aerolineas%20Argentinas.htm

aviacionnews.com 14May20

LATAM Argentina suspended operations indefinitely (announced 17Jun20)

LATAM Argentina A320, LV-BSJ (c/n 1332), getting ready to taxi out at Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP) on 17Nov16.  This is one of three LATAM Argentina A320's that was repainted from LAN to LATAM colors soon after the carrier's change of identity (the others being LV-BRA and LV-BRY).  To the best of the blog editor's knowledge, no other LATAM Argentina A320's were painted into LATAM colors, remaining in LAN colors and titles, perhaps an indication of a reluctance to accept the merger with TAM Brazilian Airlines.  (Phil Perry Photo)       

LATAM Argentina (4M) announced on 17Jun20 that it would suspend operations indefinitely.

The stoppage included all domestic and international routes, the latter consisting of some regional South American services and Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) to Miami (MIA) flights.  The international routes that are resumed when the COVID-19 quarantine is loosened (it is unlikely that all of them will start again) will be operated by other LATAM affiliates, such as LATAM Brazil, Chile and Peru), and not LATAM Argentina. 

Short-Term Reasons for Closure

The most immediate factors behind LATAM Argentina's "suspension" were the cessation of all commercial flights to/from and within Argentina, effective 20Mar20, due to the coronavirus, plus the Argentine government requirement that the carrier pay its employees most of their wages during the shutdown. 

All Argentine airlines, such as Aerolineas Argentinas, Andes, Austral, Flybondi, Jetsmart Argentina and LATAM Argentina lost nearly all of their revenue after 20Mar20 while still having to pay most of their fixed costs, such as aircraft leases and employee wages.  In particular, LATAM Argentina was not allowed to furlough employees and only managed to negotiate a 7% to 35% reduction in their pay, representing a huge cash drain for the carrier. 

Longer-Term Reasons for Closure

As difficult as 2020 was for LATAM Argentina, the carrier suffered increasingly poor financial results in recent years for a variety of reasons as detailed below

2018 Devaluation of the Peso 

The Argentine Peso / US Dollar exchange rate was about 20:1 in early 2018 but it was devalued to approx. 40:1 by September of that year, making USD-denominated costs, such as aircraft leases and fuel costs, twice as expensive in pesos. 

In the meantime, the airline could not raise airfares very much because most of its customers were Argentine, making more or less the same peso salaries after the devaluation as before.  

LATAM Argentina was also prevented from raising fares much because of the advent of Low Cost Carriers (LCC), such as Avianca Argentina, Flybondi and Norwegian Air Argentina.   

2019 Devaluation of the Peso  

The same phenomenon happened again in 2019 with another devaluation of the peso with respect to the USD from 40:1 to 70:1 in September 2019.  That year also saw the start up of another LCC, Jetsmart Argentina, putting more pressure on LATAM Argentina to keep fares down. 

Recession & International Travel Decline

Argentina went into recession in 2019, further eroding ticket sales, with an especially large drop in international revenue, as foreign travel became ever more expensive for Argentines due to the highly-unfavorable exchange rates with the USD.     

Employee Wage Levels

As an Argentine airline employing Argentine workers, LATAM Argentina was under pressure to pay their employees wages similar to those paid by Aerolineas Argentinas, the country's official flag carrier, that paid relatively high wages made possible by government subsidies, something that was unavailable to LATAM Argentina.   

Aerolineas Argentinas - Historical Favoritism

Ever since the Argentine government expropriated Aerolineas Argentinas from the Spanish travel groups Marsans in 2008, it has favored the state carrier in ways big and small.  Examples include:

* Gates with jetways at Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP) being reserved for Aerolineas Argentinas / Austral with other carriers having to use remote stands.         

* Attempted denial of use of a hangar at Aeroparque by LATAM Argentina.

* When LATAM Argentina sent Argentine-registered aircraft to the parent company's headquarters in Santiago, Chile for maintenance, they were not allowed to temporarily use Chilean-registered planes until the work was done on the Argentine aircraft and they returned to Argentina, resulting in a reduced schedule and lost revenue for the carrier.

Financial Results

The above factors are reflected in LATAM Argentina's eroding financial results in recent years:

2015:  US$ 9.4 million profit

2016:  US$ 29.6 million loss

2017:  US$ 41.6 million loss

2018:  US$ 132.5 million loss

2019:  US$ 133.4 million loss

In addition, 2019 revenue was US$ 585 million, 41% less than in 2018.

While many of LATAM Argentina's misfortunes have been due to external factors, such as the ones described above, the carrier's management should probably bear at least some responsibility for its loss of profitability, such as coming up with answers for the new competition from LCC's. 

LATAM Argentina - Historical Profile 

LATAM Argentina was founded in 2005 as LAN Argentina.

Fleet History

The carrier initially operated 737-200's transferred from parent carrier LAN Chile.

LATAM Argentina went on to operate 16 different A320's with 12 in service when it closed.  They were used for domestic and regional flights around South America.  All 16 aircraft were originally delivered to LAN Chile.   

The carrier also flew five different 767-300's with typically three in service at any one time on the Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) - Miami (MIA) route.  All but one were original LAN Chile aircraft with the exception having been delivered to Russian carrier Transaero.  After the carrier's closure, two of the 767-300's went to LATAM Chile and one each to LATAM Colombia, LATAM Cargo and Canadian carrier CargoJet Airways.  

Destinations Served

LATAM Argentina was serving a total of 17 different airports prior to the 20Mar20 national quarantine. 

13 Domestic Airports 

Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP)

Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE)

Bariloche (BRC)

Comodoro Rivadavia (CRD)

Cordoba (COR)

El Calafate (FTE)

Mendoza (MDZ)

Neuquen (NQN)

Puerto Iguazu (IGR) 

Rio Gallegos (RGL)

Salta (SLA)

Tucuman (TUC)

Ushuaia (USH)

4 International Airports 

Lima (LIM) - LATAM hub

Santiago (SCL) - LATAM hub

Sao Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) - LATAM hub

Miami (MIA)

Network Expansion

With the nearly open skies ushered in by the administration of Argentine President Mauricio Macri in 2016, the LAN / LATAM group of carriers introduced services from several Argentine airports to the LAN / LATAM hubs of Santiago (SCL), Lima (LIM) and Sao Paulo Guarulhos (GRU).  

At one point, LAN / LATAM offered international flights from nine Argentine airports; Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP), Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE), Cordoba (COR), Mendoza (MDZ), Neuquen (NQN), Rosario (ROS), Salta (SLA), San Juan (UAQ) and Tucuman (TUC), more than any other airline group.  

LATAM Argentina operated at least two of these routes, Neuquen (NQN) and San Juan (UAQ) to Santiago (SCL), although they were cancelled when the country started to experience financial difficulties.   

LATAM Argentina also operated summer seasonal services from Argentina to Brazil. 

Other Data

The carrier had 1,715 employees in eight unions. 

LATAM Argentina had an 18% share of the Argentine domestic market - 2nd after Aerolineas Argentinas 

The LATAM group of carriers had a 23% share of the international market out of Argentina - 1st overall

The carrier most recently had an 80% load factor.

2019 - 2.53 million domestic passenger on 16,759 flights

2019 - 3.36 million international passenger on 21,674 flights 

Cargo: 

* Weekly average of 270 tons of exports (berries, fresh meats and pharmaceuticals) 

* Weekly average of 290 tons imports (auto parts, industrial machinery and pharmaceuticals)   

Sources:

https://www.cronista.com/apertura-negocio/empresas/Latam-cierra-su-filial-argentina-no-hara-vuelos-internos-de-pasajeros-ni-carga-20200617-0005.html

https://www.ambito.com/negocios/latam/cronica-un-retiro-anunciado-argentina-deja-operar-vuelos-cabotaje-n5110536

https://www.lanacion.com.ar/economia/nota-manana-nid2381063

https://www.airfleets.net/flottecie/LATAM%20Argentina.htm

https://argentina-airline-news.blogspot.com/2017/06/route-updates-latam-adding.html

https://argentina-airline-news.blogspot.com/search/label/LATAM%20Argentina

https://argentina-airline-news.blogspot.com/2017/02/route-updates-cordoba-cor-summer.html

HISTORICAL INTEREST: Three F-28's that flew with the Armada Argentina (Argentine Navy)

As already noted in previous posts, the Fokker F-28 enjoyed a long career in service with several branches of the Argentine government, including the Fuerza Aerea Argentina - as a military transport, VIP+Presidential aircraft and with Lineas Aereas del Estado, the air force airline that connects remote points of the Patagonia wilderness region in the south of the country.     

The Armada Argentina (Argentine Navy) also operated the F-28, being the last Argentine military service to receive the aircraft when it took delivery of three F-28-3000's in 1979.  The F-28-3000 had a 5-foot (1.5m) longer wingspan than the standard -1000 model at 82ft 3in / 25.07m with only 18 of the model being built out of a total of 241 F-28's. 

Fokker delivered all three F-28-3000's to the Armada Argentina between April and August 1979 in sequential order by their construction numbers; 5-T-20 (c/n 11145), 5-T-10 (c/n 11147) and 5-T-21 (c/n 11150), joining the 2nd Naval Mobile Logistical Air Support Squadron based at Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE).   

5-T-20 was an F-28-3000C model with a large main deck cargo door on the left side of the fuselage while the other two airframes were "M" models presumably configured for military personnel transport.  5-T-20 was also leased out to a civilian outfit named Charter Fly carrying the registration LV-RRA from January 1992 to September 1994. 

The three aircraft were reportedly all spotted at Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) in 2014 with 5-T-10 painted all-white (apparently abandoned), 5-T-20 in the standard light blue Argentine Navy colors in an inactive state and 5-T-21 still operational in a darkish green low-visibility camouflage scheme.  

5-T-21's last flight was on 11Mar16 when it flew from EZE to Comandante Espora Airport in Bahia Blanca, the main base of Argentine Naval Aviation, for display at the National Naval Aviation Museum there.  

Armada Argentina F-28-3000M, 5-T-10 (c/n 11147), in the factory delivery color scheme at Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP) at an unknown date.  (Phil Perry Collection) 

Armada Argentina F-28-3000C, 5-T-20 (c/n 11145), also in the factory delivery color scheme at an unknown date and location.  (Phil Perry Collection)   

Sources:

https://loudandclearisnotenought.blogspot.com/2010/06/ara-07415-t-20-fokker-f-28-fellowship.html

https://loudandclearisnotenought.blogspot.com/2010/06/ara-07405-t-10-fokker-f-28-fellowship.html

https://loudandclearisnotenought.blogspot.com/2010/06/ara-07425-t-21-fokker-f-28-fellowship.html

http://linea-ala.blogspot.com/2014/05/algunas-imagenes-de-los-fokker-f-28.html

http://linea-ala.blogspot.com/2019/08/fin-del-fokker-f-28-fellowship-en.html

HISTORICAL INTEREST: Three F-28's that flew with the FAA as VIP+Presidential Transports

The Fuerza Aerea Argentina operated three F-28's as VIP+Presidential aircraft until their retirement in recent years.  Two of these also wore the military registration T-50, apparently also flying regular air force missions for the FAA.

History of the individual aircraft: 

F-28 Mk. 1000 (c/n 11028)

(c/n 11028) during one of the times that it was operated as T-01 between 1970 and 1975 and again between 1977 and 1992.  Note that it had no titles.  (Phil Perry Collection)

Another photo of (c/n 11028) when it wore the registration T-03, also in the early color scheme but with Republica Argentina titles.  (Phil Perry Collection)

(c/n 11028) operating as T-03, takes off from Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP) on 03Oct10 wearing its last color scheme.  (Phil Perry Photo) 

Fuerza Aerea Argentina / Presidencia de la Nacion F-28 Mk-1000 (c/n 11028) was delivered by Fokker to the FAA on 28Dec70 taking on the Air Force registration T-01.  The aircraft went on to fly as T-02 and T-04 before assuming its final identity of T-03 in 1995, which it wore until its retirement on 20Apr15.  The plane went on to serve as a source of spares for the remaining F-28's in service with the FAA.  "11028" was the first F-28 to fly with an Argentine operator and also the longest-serving F-28 in Argentina with 49 years flying in the country.   

F-28 Mk. 1000 (c/n 11048) 

(c/n 11048) after its arrival in Argentina following the 1976 Farnborough International Airshow where it was on display wearing a Fokker company scheme.  The aircraft was already re-registered as LV-LZN for entry into service with Aerolineas Argentinas and was eventually repainted in the carrier's scheme of the time, although in all-red colors instead of the usual two-tone blue.  (Phil Perry Collection)  

(c/n 11048) at Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP) operating for the Fuerza Aerea Argentina's Presidential Flight Group as T-02 in February 1997.  (Adrian Arzenheimer Photo - Phil Perry Collection)

(c/n 11048), LV-LZN, in full Lineas Aereas Entre Rios colors with additional American Falcon titles at Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP) in December 2003.  (Phil Perry Collection) 

(c/n 11048) at Buenos Aires El Palomar (EPA) as T-50 on 18Dec19, apparently retired from service with the Fuerza Aerea Argentina.  (Phil Perry Photo)

F-28 Mk. 1000 (c/n 11048) had a varied operational history flying for several entities, including Fairchild Hiller to whom it was delivered in 1972, followed by Aviateca Guatemala, back to Fokker for promotional work and finally going to Aerolineas Argentinas registered as LV-LZN in late 1976.

(c/n 11048) joined the Fuerza Aerea Argentina in 1977 as T-02 and also T-04, reverting back to LV-LZN in the early 2000's when it flew for Lineas Aereas Entre Rios and American Falcon for a couple of years before rejoining the FAA in 2005 with the military registration T-50 where it flew for LADE.             

Interestingly, this aircraft was assigned to Pope John Paul II' for domestic flying within Argentina during his tour of the country in 1987, even carrying the Vatican emblem on the fuselage.  (c/n 11048) also had some mishaps, including an inflight depressurization in 1992, a runway excursion during landing in Salta province in 1993 and some damage at Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) in 1998, for which it was repaired.           

(c/n 11048) was spotted at Buenos Aires El Palomar (EPA) on 18Dec19 wearing the registration T-50 in the last all-white Fuerza Aerea Argentina colors for this type, apparently out of service.

F-28 Mk. 4000 (c/n 11203)

(c/n 11203) flying as T-02 at Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP) on 10Jul10.  (Phil Perry Photo)

(c/n 11203) at Buenos Aires El Palomar (EPA) on 18Dec19.  Note the Argentine Air Force 707 and 757 T-01 "Tango Zero-Uno" parked behind the F-28.  All three aircraft were retired and in somewhat derelict condition.  (Phil Perry Collection)

F-28 Mk. 4000 (c/n 11203) was delivered to Korean Air in 1984 where it flew for several years before going on to the Fuerza Aerea Argentina's Presidential Flight Group as T-02 in 1999.  It flew the rest of its career for the FAA, for a short time as T-50 and then back to T-02, before being withdrawn from use on 19May17.   

This aircraft was a model 4000, some 2.5m (7.5 ft.) longer than the 1000 and 3000 models that comprised all of the other F-28's that served with the Argentine military.   

Sources:

https://loudandclearisnotenought.blogspot.com/search/label/Fokker%20F-28%20Fellowship

http://linea-ala.blogspot.com/2015/04/retiro-de-un-historico-avion.html

http://linea-ala.blogspot.com/2015/01/antes-de-venir-la-foto-que-faltaba.html

HISTORICAL INTEREST: Five Fuerza Aerea Argentina F-28's that flew as Military Transports / LADE

Eleven F-28's Served with the Argentine Government & Military

* The Fuerza Aerea Argentina flew five F-28's in the military transport role and with the state airline Lineas Aereas del Estado (LADE).

* The FAA also flew three F-28's as VIP+Presidential transports, one of which also operated as a military transport and with LADE. 

* The Armada Argentina (Navy) flew three F-28's.

This posting will cover the first five aircraft noted above with two postings to follow this one covering the other six planes.

Five Fuerza Aerea Argentina F-28 Military Transports / LADE

The FAA took delivery of all five of these F-28's in 1975.  

Their military transport duties included flying supplies between Air Force bases in Argentina plus emergency medical and foreign airmail flights.  Notably, the F-28's supplied Argentine forces in the Islas Malvinas / Falkland Islands throughout the 1982 South Atlantic War.      

With LADE, the aircraft operated flights to remote locations in the southern Patagonia region of Argentina plus, starting in 1977, services connecting Comodoro Rivadavia (CRD) with Puerto Argentino / Port Stanley in the Malvinas / Falklands.

The last F-28 flight operated in any capacity by any entity in Argentina was thought to have been flown by Fuerza Aerea Argentina F-28 Mk-1000C, TC-53 (c/n 11020), in August 2019 shortly before the aircraft's time limit for undergoing heavy maintenance.  However, Fuerza Aerea Argentina F-28 Mk-1000C, TC-52 (c/n 11074), operated a flight between Mendoza (MDZ) and Villa Reynolds (VME) as recently as 05Oct20.  

Individual Aircraft Histories:

Fuerza Aerea Argentina F-28 Mk-1000C, TC-51 (c/n 11076), in the factory delivery color scheme.  Date and location unknown.  (Phil Perry Collection)   

F-28 Mk-1000C, TC-51 (c/n 11076), was delivered by Fokker, the aircraft's manufacturer, on 13Jan75, the same day as Aerolineas Argentinas' first of three factory new F-28's, LV-LOA (c/n 11085) was handed over to the Argentine national airline.     

TC-51 joined the 1st Aerial Brigade based out of El Palomar Air Force Base and flew for Lineas Aereas del Estado (LADE). Unlike the other four F-28's operated by the FAA, TC-51 was never modified with a cargo door, always flying only passengers in the main cabin.  

The aircraft continued in steady service for the FAA until it suffered an accident on 16Aug89.  TC-51 was departing from Bariloche (BRC) to Neuquen (NQN) in marginal weather when it partially departed the left side of the snow-covered runway.  The pilot was able to regain control of the aircraft but it was not able to take off properly, "struck an ILS aerial, crossed a ditch and ended up against a dyke". 

The aircraft was apparently flying for LADE as it had 65 occupants onboard, some of whom were reportedly seriously injured but all survived.  TC-51 was "damaged beyond repair" and finished its career with a total of 14,002 hours and 18,255 cycles on its airframe.        

Fuerza Aerea Argentina F-28 Mk-1000C, TC-52 (c/n 11074), at Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP), apparently in November 1998. (Phil Perry Collection)

F-28 Mk-1000C, TC-52 (c/n 11076), was delivered new from the Fokker factory to the Fuerza Aerea Argentina on 30Jan75, promptly joining the force's 1st Aerial Brigade, also flying for Lineas Aereas del Estado (LADE).  

The aircraft also gained the Argentine civil registration LV-RCS in 1991, flying for Dinar Lineas Aereas, an Argentine regional carrier of the time, for two years after which it was re-registered back to TC-52 in 1993.     

Like three other F-28's operated by the FAA, TC-52 was later modified with a cargo door.

As of 31Aug18, TC-52 had accumulated 23,666 flight hours over 27,292 cycles and, as of this writing, is the sole F-28 still flying in Argentina and perhaps the entire world.

Fuerza Aerea Argentina F-28 Mk-1000C, TC-53 (c/n 11020), at Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP) on 15Aug14 in the most recent Argentine Air Force color scheme, also sporting a "100 Years" emblem on the tail commemorating the 100th year anniversary of the FAA.  (Phil Perry Photo)    

Fuerza Aerea Argentina F-28 Mk-1000C, TC-53 (c/n 11020), at Buenos Aires El Palomar (EPA) on 17Dec19 with its tail painted in red colors and sporting its unit insignia in commemoration of the retirement of the F-28 type from FAA service in August 2019 (except that TC-52 continues to fly for the FAA until this day).  (Phil Perry Photo)

F-28 Mk-1000, (c/n 11020), first flew in 1970 with Fokker delivering it to its US marketing partner Fairchild Hiller Corp. as N283FH in June 1970.  Fairchild Hiller manufactured the Fokker F-27 as the Fairchild F-27 and a stretched version as the FH-227, with the production run of both types totaling 206 airframes.  

The company apparently operated N283FH as an executive transport until 1975 when a cargo door was added converting the aircraft to an F-28 Mk-1000C and the plane was delivered to the Fuerza Aerea Argentina as TC-53 on 07May75.  The aircraft promptly joined the 1st Aerial Brigade and Lineas Aereas del Estado where it flew until wing cracks were discovered on 16Aug19 leading to its retirement only two weeks before its airworthiness certificate was set to expire on 31Aug19.

 

Fuerza Aerea Argentina F-28 Mk-1000C, TC-54 (c/n 11018), at Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP), reportedly in March 1996.  (Phil Perry Collection)

Fuerza Aerea Argentina F-28 Mk-1000C, TC-54 (c/n 11018), at Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP) on 24Oct10 in the last scheme that it wore.  (Phil Perry Photo)

This aircraft was delivered to Fairchild Hiller Corp. in March 1970, operating for the company until April 1975 when it was converted to a cargo version with the addition of a cargo door and subsequently delivered to the Fuerza Aerea Argentina as TC-54 in July 1975.   

TC-54 joined the 1st Aerial Brigade and Lineas Aereas del Estado (LADE) until August 1992 when it acquired the dual civil registration of LV-VCS, apparently flying for Dinar Lineas Aereas.

By 1994, the aircraft was back flying full time for the FAA / LADE, finally being retired in 2016 with 21,415 hours and 24,515 cycles on its airframe through October of that year. 

Fuerza Aerea Argentina F-28 Mk-1000C, TC-55 (c/n 11024), at Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP) on an undetermined date.  (Phil Perry Collection)

This aircraft's history closely parallels that of TC-54 / (c/n 11018), having been delivered to Fairchild Hiller in 1970, converted to a cargo version in 1975 and  continuing on to the FAA / LADE later that year where it joined the 1st Aerial Brigade and LADE. 

The aircraft soldiered on with the FAA / LADE for four decades being retired in 2016 with 20,036 hours and 23,497 cycles accumulated on its airframe at that time.  

Sources:

https://loudandclearisnotenought.blogspot.com/search/label/Fokker%20F-28%20Fellowship

https://aerospotter.blogspot.com/search?q=tc-51

https://loudandclearisnotenought.blogspot.com/2010/06/tc-51-fokker-f-28-fellowship-mk-1000c-w.html

http://linea-ala.blogspot.com/2015/01/antes-de-venir.html

https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19890816-1

https://aerospotter.blogspot.com/2020/10/roll-out-n-377-fleet-list.html

http://linea-ala.blogspot.com/2018/09/adios-un-fellowship.html

http://linea-ala.blogspot.com/2018/07/ultimo-fokker-f-28-en-servicio-civil.html

FLEET UPDATE: Fuerza Aerea Argentina continues to operate one F-28, TC-52 (c/n 11074)

The Argentine Government has operated a fleet of Fokker F-28's as government / military transports since 1970 when the first aircraft, F-28 Mk-1000, T-01, (c/n 11028), was delivered to the Fuerza Aerea Argentina as a VIP presidential aircraft. 

The last F-28 flight operated in any capacity by any entity in Argentina was thought to have been flown by Fuerza Aerea Argentina F-28 Mk-1000C, TC-53, (c/n 11020) in August 2019 shortly before the aircraft's time limit for undergoing heavy maintenance.  However, Fuerza Aerea Argentina F-28 Mk-1000C, TC-52, (c/n 11074) operated a flight between Mendoza (MDZ) and Villa Reynolds (VME) as recently as 05Oct20.  

A total of 17 F-28's have operated in Argentina; in airline service with Aerolineas Argentinas, American Falcon, Austral, DINAR, and LAER and with the nation's Air Force, Navy, Lineas Aereas del Estado (LADE) and as a VIP / Presidential transport.

The blog editor will soon make three postings with a short history of each F-28 flown by the Argentine government in its various roles. 

Sources:

https://aerospotter.blogspot.com/2020/10/roll-out-n-376-fleet-list.html

http://linea-ala.blogspot.com/2019/08/fin-del-fokker-f-28-fellowship-en.html

http://linea-ala.blogspot.com/2019/05/el-ultimo-de-todos.html

http://linea-ala.blogspot.com/2018/09/adios-un-fellowship.html

https://loudandclearisnotenought.blogspot.com/search/label/Fokker%20F-28%20Fellowship

HISTORICAL INTEREST: Fuerza Aerea Argentina / LADE retired F-27 fleet in September 2016 after nearly 40 years in service

Lineas Aereas del Estado - LADE, an arm of the Fuerza Aerea Argentina, retired its last F-27 from service in 2016 after over 40 years flying the type.  F-27-400M, TC-79 (c/n 10575), marked the end of an era in mid-September with a week-long tour of 19 cities where the aircraft flew during its career.  

The aircraft was painted in a special scheme for the occasion as noted in these links to the Rollout Spotting blog and short YouTube video:  

https://aerospotter.blogspot.com.ar/2016/09/inicio-de-la-despedida-del-friendship.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPml62bzVx0

Celebrations greeted TC-79 everywhere it flew starting at Parana (PRA) and continuing to El Palomar (EPA), Mar del Plata (MDQ), Bahia Blanca (BHI), Trelew (REL), Comodoro Rivadavia (CRD), Puerto Madryn (PMY), San Antonio Oeste (OES), Gobernador Gregores (GGS), Puerto Deseado (PUD), San Julian, Santa Cruz, Rio Gallegos (RGL), Rio Grande (RGA), Ushuaia (USH), El Calafate (FTE), Esquel (EQS), Bariloche (BRC), and Neuquen (NQN).  Most of these airports are located in the Patagonia region of southern Argentina famed for its lakes, glaciers, mountains and wilderness.

LADE's F-27 fleet additionally operated flights from Comodoro Rivadavia (CRD) to the Islas Malvinas / Falklands Islands during the 1970's bringing medications and other supplies to the archipelago.  It also flew 309 missions to the islands in support of Argentine forces during the South Atlantic War of 1982 transporting men and materiel without suffering any losses.   

The Fuerza Aerea Argentina operated a total of sixteen F-27's with all or nearly all of them having flown passenger service on behalf of LADE.  

The aircraft had a poor safety record flying for the FAA / LADE, probably reflective of the rugged Patagonia region where it flew with frequent bad weather, especially in winter, and airfields that were often minimally equipped with navigational and other aids.  

Nine of the sixteen F-27's were involved in incidents ranging from serious, such as a gear collapse upon landing, to devastating accidents with the loss of all passengers and crew, which happened twice.         

Specifically, the following aircraft were involved in the listed incidents / accidents:  

F-27-600, T-42 (c/n 10346) - Gear up landing in Rio Gallegos (RGL) on 18Apr72 with no victims.  

F-27-400M Troopship, TC-71 (c/n 10403) - Nose gear collapsed upon landing in Lago Argentino on 06Feb75 with no victims.

F-27-400M Troopship, TC-73 (c/n 10407) - Left main landing gear collapse followed by runway excursion and collision with the airport terminal building in Jeremie Airport, Haiti while flying a United Nations peace mission on 16Jun95. No victims.      

F-27-400M Troopship, TC-77 (c/n 10416) - Landing accident at the Marambio Base in Antarctica on 02Dec69 resulting in the W/O of the aircraft but with no victims.    

F-27-400M Troopship, TC-74 (c/n 10408) - Collided with a generator while starting to taxi at the Military Aviation School in Cordoba on 07Feb73 resulting in one death.  Cargo door opened while in flight over Cordoba on 04Oct74 with one death.     

F-27-400M Troopship, TC-75 (c/n 10411) - Collision with terrain in the Quebrada del Rio Congas 200km northeast of Lima, Peru while performing a humanitarian aid flight. Loss of 4 crew members with 4 passengers seriously injured.     

F-27-400M Troopship, TC-76 (c/n 10412) - Collision with terrain after an abrupt turn during take off followed by fire at Mendoza (MDZ) on 17May11 with the loss of 4 victims. 

F-27-400M Troopship, TC-72 (c/n 10404) - Collision with Mt. Pilcaniyeu while on final approach to Bariloche (BRC) on 16Mar75 with the loss of 52 victims. 

F-27-500, TC-72 (c/n 10619) - Collision with terrain in stormy conditions including rain, turbulence and strong winds near Mt. Champaqui in Cordoba on 08Nov95 with the loss of 53 victims. 

Sources:

http://www.siscoma.com.ar/online/aviacion/2016/avn160922/avn-160922.html
http://www.lacapitalmdp.com/mar-del-plata-vio-pasar-al-historico-fokker-f-27-en-su-viaje-de-despedida/ via Carlos Abella
http://www.eldiariodelfindelmundo.com/noticias/2016/09/22/68565-ushuaia-rindio-homenaje-al-ultimo-avion-fokker-f-27-que-conecto-la-region-durante-mas-de-40-anos via Carlos Abella
http://loudandclearisnotenought.blogspot.com.ar/search/label/Fokker%20F-27%2FFairchild%20F-27    

PHOTO GALLERY + HISTORICAL INTEREST: Six Jetstream 32's operated by Macair

Macair, the airline purchased by Avianca Argentina in 2016 to rapidly access the Argentine passenger airline market, operated six Jetstream 32 aircraft in its history.  As a side note, Avianca Argentina did not start flying regularly scheduled commercial service until November 2017, which would bring into question the reasons behind its purchase of Macair instead of starting its own operation.

Four Macair Jetstream 32's flew charters from Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP) to Iguazu (IGR) on the morning of 06Feb11; LV-ZOW, LV-ZPW, LV-ZPZ and LV-ZRL as pictured below:     

Macair Jetsream 32 LV-ZOW (c/n 869). (Phil Perry Photo) 

  

LV-ZPW (c/n 861).  As far as the editor of this blog knows, this was the only Macair Jetstream 32 to carry Macair Jet titles.  (Phil Perry Photo) 

LV-ZPZ (c/n 931) wore Aerochaco titles reflecting Macair's wet-lease subservices on behalf of the carrier that represented the Argentina province of Chaco, mostly to its capital Resistencia.  These titles were eventually removed, however.  (Phil Perry Photo)

LV-ZRL (c/n 928) at Aeroparque with the early morning sun illuminating its fuselage from the rear.  (Phil Perry Photo)

The two other Jetstream 32's to fly for Macair were LV-ZSB and LV-ZST:


LV-ZSB (c/n 942) at Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP) flying for Aerovip under the Arg Express brand in December 2001.  The aircraft joined the Macair fleet in June 2007.  (Phil Perry Collection)

LV-ZST (c/n 941) taxis at Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP) on 11Jul17. This aircraft was in service with AeroVip / ARG Express on 20Jan03 when it struck ground equipment at Aeroparque, damaging its left propeller, fuselage and engine fairing.  The plane was apparently repaired and re-entered service with Aerovip in 2002.  (Phil Perry Photo) 

LV-ZOW and LV-ZPW first flew in 1989 with LV-ZPZ, LV-ZRL, LV-ZSB and LV-ZST all having their first flight in 1991.  All six aircraft flew for American Eagle with some of them operating for other carriers in North America before going on to Argentina in 1999/2000 to fly for Aerovip under several brands, including Aerolineas Argentinas Express, LAPA Vip and ARG Express, finally joining Macair in 2006/2007/2008.  

The aircraft were successively retired from Macair service, especially after  Avianca Argentina bought Macair's Air Operator Certificate in early 2016. 

For a history and profile of Macair's operations, including subservices for Aerochaco and Lineas Aereas Entre Rios, please visit these previous postings in this blog:

Argentina Airline News - ROUTE UPDATES: Macair Jetstream 32P Regional Operations

Argentina Airline News - ROUTE UPDATE: Macair flew Jetstreams in Paraguay as Ad Maiora Lineas Aereas in early 2013

Argentina Airline News - ROUTE UPDATES: Macair to fly Resistencia (RES) to Asuncion (ASU) & Internal Paraguayan Routes

Argentina Airline News - Macair Operations for LAER (Lineas Aereas Entre Rios)

Argentina Airline News - Macair Operations for Aerochaco - Profile & Photos

Sources:

http://loudandclearisnotenought.blogspot.com.ar/search?q=lv-zow
http://loudandclearisnotenought.blogspot.com.ar/search?q=lv-zpw
http://loudandclearisnotenought.blogspot.com.ar/search?q=lv-zpz
http://loudandclearisnotenought.blogspot.com.ar/search?q=lv-zrl
http://loudandclearisnotenought.blogspot.com.ar/search?q=lv-zsb
http://loudandclearisnotenought.blogspot.com.ar/search?q=lv-zst
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avian