Aerolíneas Argentinas (AR) has confirmed it is set to incorporate 20 aircraft as part of its short-term fleet renewal plan, giving effect to the investment plan the carrier first presented in Nov. 2025. The airline describes it as the largest fleet renewal process it has undertaken in the past decade, covering 25% of its total fleet and 60% of its long-haul fleet.
Lease agreements signed at Farnborough
Aerolíneas has signed lease contracts for 14 of the 20 aircraft during the Farnborough International Airshow 2026: six Airbus A330neo (A330-900N), leased from Avolon, and eight Boeing 737 MAX 10 (B737-10), leased from Aviation Capital Group. The remaining six aircraft are Boeing 737 MAX 8 (B737-8)s, two of which are already under contract, with four more currently being added to the fleet.
The first pending aircraft, a 737 MAX 8, is due to join the fleet in the first quarter of 2027. The first A330neo is scheduled to arrive in the first half of 2028, fitted with 291 seats across three cabins: 30 in business class, 24 in premium economy, and 237 in economy. Delivery of the 737 MAX 10s will follow certification of the type by Boeing. The A330neos will be assigned to international routes, while the 737 MAX 10s and MAX 8s will strengthen domestic and regional operations. The airline also plans to modernise cabins on its in-service A330 fleet.
Financial backing and fleet context
President Fabián Lombardo said,
“The signing of these agreements at Farnborough sends a clear message of the industry’s confidence in our company, and is the result of long-term planning and management focused on efficiency, profitability, and product improvement.”
Aerolíneas said the renewal plan is funded by improved financial results in recent years. The airline recorded operating income of $56.6 million in 2024, audited by KPMG, rising to $120.7 million in 2025, when it received no financial contributions from the national government for the first time since the state became its controlling shareholder. The 2025 financial statements are due for approval at a shareholder meeting in early Aug.
ch-aviation data shows Aerolíneas’ current fleet comprises ten A330-200s, two B737-700s, 28 B737-800s, 15 B737-8s, two B737-800(SF) freighters, one B757-200, and 24 E190s.
With Aerolíneas set to renew a quarter of its fleet by 2031, what do you think this means for its long-haul competitiveness in the region?
