By Decree 712/2024 published in the Official Gazette of the Argentine Republic last Friday, the 9th; the national government issued the prohibition on the use of state aircraft to carry out commercial aeronautical activities.
In a mandatory 1st Article , the Decree states : “Public aircraft may not be used to carry out any aerial activity other than that which makes their essential legal condition at the service of public power. Its use is prohibited in any aerial activity that, due to its condition, could be considered proper for a private aircraft."
The measure affects the aircraft of the Argentine Air Force that make up the fleet with which Líneas Aéreas del Estado LADE operates , mainly composed of SAAB-340, owned by said force.
In its Article 2, it exempts from the measure “private aircraft owned by the NATIONAL STATE, the Provinces, the AUTONOMOUS CITY OF BUENOS AIRES, the Municipalities, decentralized, deconcentrated entities or state companies”. It also reinforces the prohibitive meaning: “They may carry out commercial air transport activities and aerial work as long as they have the corresponding authorizations granted by the aeronautical authority”.
Article that, without naming them, makes a distinction between the status of state-owned company owned by LADE , which flies with Air Force planes and pilots, and that of Aerolíneas Argentinas SA , as a public service company for civil integration and management in all its areas.
Brochure of routes and destinations operated by LADE in 1976, where Puerto Argentino appears with the British name.
"Although the closure of the LADE company has not been officially announced, with this measure prohibiting its operation, its future is uncertain,"Pucará Defensa interprets.
Article 3 reinforces that “Air navigation services must give priority to public aircraft.” While Article 4 states that “Public aircraft may be subject to all types of interjurisdictional contracts for use, provided that all parties involved belong to the Public Sector.” This decision cuts off any possibility of State aircraft being rented by the private sector.
