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What are the oldest airlines in South America?
Learning about airlines helps us to understand the economic development of the continent.
We could place the beginning of the history of aviation in South America within the decade of 1910. Remembering this is important to contextualize the beginning of this path that was of great help to the economic development of the continent. Since then, the airlines that emerged from that time became, many of them, respected institutions that continue to grow constantly today.
Although in South America there were many airlines that operated successfully for many years, some of them had to close their doors due to economic problems during hard times at the level of the world economy. However, they are still remembered by those who came to experience their services.
Avianca (Colombia)

Avianca was founded in Colombia in 1919. However, its first name was SCADTA, an acronym that referred to the Colombian-German Air Transport Society. Avianca is, in all of South America, the oldest airline. In the world, it is the second oldest. This airline was one of the first to offer aviation services and currently has destinations in Asia, Europe and America.
Avianca is one of the most respected airlines, not only for its quality services but because even though the years have passed and new airlines have been created, it has always offered quality and responsibility in its actions.

LATAM Airlines (Chile)

Founded in 1929, LATAM was originally LAN. It is also one of the most recognized and oldest airlines in this area. After merging with TAM Airlines, belonging to Brazil, this airline renewed its name to LATAM. Since then, it is recognized worldwide with that name and to this day offers flights to more than 140 destinations around the world. In addition, it is part of Oneworld Airlines, a global airline alliance.
 
Aerolíneas Argentinas (Argentina)

Aerolíneas Argentinas was founded in 1950 and is still one of the most important airlines in Argentina. Although it has undergone many changes of ownership and several restructurings, in recent decades it has managed to establish itself even more to gain strength within South America. In addition, it is important to note that it operates in more than 60 destinations within Oceania, Europe and America.

Copa Airlines (Panama)

Founded in 1947 as Compañía Panameña de Aviación, this airline is one of the oldest in South America and the best in Panama. It mainly operates in Central America, South America and the Caribbean. One of its characteristics is the punctuality and excellence of its services. Its base is in Panama City, at the Tocumen International Airport.
It has flights to more than 80 destinations worldwide.

TACA Airlines (El Salvador)

This airline, founded in 1931, is one of the oldest in Latin America. It is based in El Salvador and offers flights to more than 50 destinations around the world. TACA Airlines merged with Avianca in 2010 and later became Avianca Holdings. These airlines are part of the South American aviation history and each of them contributed its part to grow the aviation industry on this continent. In addition, they are a fundamental element for the development of the world and of each country. It is necessary to highlight that the extensive geography of the world and the diverse needs of people make airlines a tool to connect us globally.
In addition to offering various services, airlines collaborate largely with various central points that help economic evolution.

Tourism
Many countries have their largest income in tourism. Airlines make transportation fast, agile and efficient. In addition, many of them offer tourist destinations with hotels or places to stay, the famous tourist packages that facilitate the planning of a flight whether for pleasure or work.
Economy
Airlines have been vital to helping the world economy grow, especially in South America. On the other hand, airlines provide many jobs in sectors such as marketing and sales, in positions such as pilots, maintenance personnel and even crew.
Integration in the regions
If we talk about the reasons for integrating regions, airlines are key elements for this to happen. In addition to generating and promoting the exchange between cultures, cooperation between regions and encouraging trade, they have a great level of importance in integrating all of South America.

Sustainable development

To collaborate with sustainable development and take care of the environmental impact, airlines implement new technological strategies every year. Many of them renew their aircraft to make them more efficient, use alternative fuels and launch waste recycling programs.
Thanks to the fact that they are important for economic and social development in South America, airlines grow year after year to improve their services and provide excellent flights so that people continue choosing to travel, whether for vacation or for work.
Without a doubt, global progress is linked to the growth of this type of industry, in addition to the fact that they are a vital element for the union and fusion of cultures around the world.
The 5 Pioneering Airlines in Latin America

The airline industry in Latin America has been influenced and built by several pioneering airlines that have left an indelible mark. Here are some of the most notable:
1. Avianca: Founded in 1919 in Colombia, Avianca is one of the oldest airlines in the world and the second oldest in continuous operation. Known for its long history and pioneering role in Latin American commercial aviation, Avianca has been a leader in the region for decades.
2. LATAM Airlines: This airline is the result of the merger between Chile's LAN Airlines and Brazil's TAM Airlines. Both airlines had a long history in the industry, with LAN founded in 1929 and TAM in 1976. The merger in 2012 created one of the largest airlines in Latin America and solidified its position as a regional leader.
3. Aeromexico: Founded in 1934, Aeromexico is one of the oldest airlines in Latin America. It has played a major role in the development of commercial aviation in Mexico and has contributed significantly to the growth of air transport in the region.
4. Copa Airlines: Headquartered in Panama, Copa Airlines was founded in 1947. Over the years, it has been recognized for its excellence in operations and customer service. Copa has played a crucial role in air connectivity in Central and South America, serving as a bridge between North and South America.
5. Aerolíneas Argentinas: Founded in 1950, Aerolíneas Argentinas is Argentina's leading airline and one of the largest in Latin America. It has been a leading figure in the aviation industry in the region, providing both domestic and international services.
These pioneers have contributed significantly to the development and growth of the airline industry in Latin America, opening new routes, promoting regional connectivity and providing quality air transport services to millions of passengers across the continent.
Latam airline announces its return to the New York Stock Exchange with a juicy share sale
This news marks the return of the Latam airline to the Stock Exchange, after having left in June 2020 due to a restructuring process.
the largest airline group in South America, announced that it will return to trading on the New York Stock Exchange, starting this Thursday, July 25, 2024.
This happens after some of its shareholders decided to sell 19 million American Depositary Shares (ADRs), each representing 2,000 common shares of the Latam Group, at a price of $24 per ADR.
It should be remembered that ADRs are certificates issued by US banks that represent shares of a foreign company. These certificates make it easier for US investors to buy shares of these companies without having to do so in foreign markets. In other words, they simplify investing in foreign companies from the United States.
The ADRs will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “LTM.” This news marks the return of the Latam Group to the Stock Exchange, after having left in June 2020 due to a restructuring process.
The selling shareholders have given the buyers a 30-day option to acquire up to 2,850,000 additional ADRs at the same price. The airline said it will not receive any money from this sale. The offer is expected to close on July 26, 2024, if all conditions are met.
The main coordinators of the offer are Goldman Sachs, Barclays and J.P. Morgan. Other major banks such as Citigroup, Santander, Deutsche Bank, BNP Paribas, MUFG, Natixis, Larraín Vial and Morgan Stanley are also participating.

ACCORDING TO IA
1. Argentina
First airline: Aerolíneas Argentinas (1950), emerged from the merger of four state airlines.
Current top airlines: Aerolíneas Argentinas, Flybondi, JetSMART Argentina.
Financial success: Aerolíneas Argentinas is state-owned and relies on subsidies due to profitability issues. Low-cost carriers (Flybondi and JetSMART) have grown with increased demand.
Safety and accident history: Good overall track record, with a few incidents in the 1990s.
Listed on stock exchange: Not listed.
2. Bolivia
Top airline: LAB (Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano), founded in 1925; closed in 2007.
Current top airlines: Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) and Amaszonas.
Financial success: BoA is state-owned and remains operational, while Amaszonas has faced financial problems and changes in ownership.
Safety and accident history: BoA has a decent track record, while LAB suffered several incidents that affected its image.
Listed on stock exchange: Neither is listed.
3. Brazil
Top airline: VARIG (1927), closed in 2006.
Top current airlines: LATAM Brasil, Azul Linhas Aéreas, GOL Linhas Aéreas.
Financial success: LATAM Brasil is part of the LATAM Group and was restructured after filing for Chapter 11 in 2020. Azul and GOL are listed in New York and São Paulo, and have shown growth despite financial fluctuations.
Safety and accident history: Good track record, with the crash of GOL Flight 1907 in 2006 notable.
Stock market listing: GOL and Azul are listed on the São Paulo Stock Exchange and NYSE.
4. Chile
Top airline: LAN Chile (1929), today LATAM Airlines Group.
Top current airlines: LATAM Airlines Group, Sky Airline.
Financial success: LATAM underwent Chapter 11 restructuring but maintains its regional leadership. Sky Airline has grown with the low-cost model.
Safety and accident history: Excellent safety record.
Publicly traded: LATAM is listed on the Santiago Stock Exchange and NYSE.
5. Colombia
Top airline: Avianca (1919), second oldest airline in the world.
Top current airlines: Avianca, Viva Air.
Financial success: Avianca restructured after filing for Chapter 11 in 2020. Viva Air has grown in the low-cost segment.
Safety and accident history: Mixed record; notable incident in 1989 (flight 203).
Publicly traded: Avianca was delisted after restructuring.
6. Ecuador
Top airline: Saeta (1957), closed in 2000.
Top current airlines: LATAM Ecuador and Avianca Ecuador.
Financial success: Operate as subsidiaries of LATAM and Avianca.
Safety and accident history: Good overall record.
Publicly traded: Not listed independently; under LATAM and Avianca.
7. Paraguay
Top airline: LAPSA (1963), closed in the 1990s.
Major current airlines: Paranair.
Financial success: Paranair, founded in 2015, operates regional routes and has grown steadily.
Safety and accident history: Good safety record.
Listed on the stock exchange: Not listed.
8. Peru
Top airline: Aerolíneas Peruanas and AeroPerú; both closed.
Major current airlines: LATAM Perú, Sky Perú.
Financial success: LATAM Perú operates under LATAM Airlines Group and remains in the market. Sky Perú expands with the low-cost model.
Safety and accident history: AeroPerú had a serious accident in 1996; airlines now have a good track record.
Listed on stock exchanges: LATAM is listed on the Santiago Stock Exchange and NYSE.
9. Uruguay
Top airline: PLUNA (1936), closed in 2012.
Top current airlines: No major domestic airlines; international routes are served by LATAM, Copa and Aerolíneas Argentinas.
Financial success: PLUNA closed due to financial problems.
Safety and accident history: Good overall track record.
Listed on stock exchanges: Not applicable.
Central America and the Caribbean
10. Costa Rica
Top airline: LACSA (1945), now part of Avianca.
Top current airlines: Avianca Costa Rica and Volaris Costa Rica.
Financial success: Avianca Costa Rica is part of the Avianca group. Volaris Costa Rica is growing on low cost.
Safety and accident history: Good safety record.
Publicly traded: Under Avianca Holdings.
11. Cuba
First airline: Cubana de Aviación (1929).
Current top airline: Cubana de Aviación.
Financial success: Cubana has faced financial problems and limitations due to sanctions and fleet age.
Safety and accident history: Checkered history, most notably Flight 972 in 2018.
Publicly traded: Not publicly traded.
12. El Salvador
First airline: TACA, later absorbed by Avianca.
Current top airlines: Avianca El Salvador.
Financial success: Part of Avianca Holdings, maintains a strong position in Central America.
Safety and accident history: Good safety record.
Publicly traded: Under Avianca Holdings.
13. Guatemala
First airline: Aviateca, absorbed by TACA and then Avianca.
Current top airline: Avianca Guatemala.
Financial success: Integrated into Avianca Holdings.
Safety and accident history: Good safety record.
Stock market listing: Under Avianca Holdings.
14. Honduras
First airline: SAHSA, closed in 1994.
Current top airlines: Avianca Honduras.
Financial success: Part of Avianca Holdings, maintaining a stable operation.
Safety and accident history: Good safety record.
Public listing: Under Avianca Holdings.
15. Mexico
Top airline: Aeromexico, Aeronaves de Mexico at its inception.
Current top airlines: Aeromexico, Volaris, VivaAerobus.
Financial success: Aeromexico is the national airline, with stability after filing for Chapter 11.
Volaris and VivaAerobus have grown at low cost.
Safety and accident history: Good record, although Aeromexico had an incident in 1981.
Public listing: Aeromexico, Volaris and VivaAerobus are listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange.
16. Panama
Top airline: Copa Airlines (1947).
Current top airline: Copa Airlines.
Financial success: Copa is one of the most profitable airlines in Latin America.
Safety and accident record: Excellent record, with one incident in 1992.
Stock market listing: Copa Holdings is listed on the
17. Nicaragua
Top airline: LANICA (1945), closed in the 1980s.
Major current airlines: No major domestic airlines; most international flights are operated by foreign airlines such as Avianca, Copa, and American Airlines.
Financial success: LANICA was profitable at one time, but closed due to economic and political problems.
Safety and accident record: Good overall safety record.
Stock market listing: Not applicable.
18. Dominican Republic
Top airline: Dominicana de Aviación (1944), closed in the 1990s.
Major current airlines: Arajet, Sky High Aviation Services.
Financial success: Arajet is a low-cost airline that has seen promising growth in recent years.
Safety and accident record: Acceptable safety record.
Listed on stock exchange: Not listed on stock exchange.
19. Venezuela
First airline: AVENSA (1943), closed in the 2000s.
Major current airlines: Conviasa, Avior Airlines, Laser Airlines.
Financial success: Conviasa is state-owned and faces restrictions due to sanctions. Avior and Laser have struggled with profitability and operate mainly regional flights.
Safety and accident history: Avior and Conviasa have had safety incidents and sanctions, affecting their reputations.
Listed: Not publicly traded.
20. Haiti
First airline: Haiti Air (founded in 1940), closed.
Major current airlines: Sunrise Airways.
Financial success: Sunrise operates regional flights and maintains moderate growth.
Safety and accident history: Good safety record.
Listed: Not publicly traded.
Overview of aviation in Latin America
Aviation in Latin America has had a diverse evolution. Several of the first national airlines did not survive due to financial problems, political changes, and infrastructure challenges. Currently, the major airlines in the region are usually subsidiaries of large groups such as LATAM, Avianca, and Copa Airlines, or low-cost airlines such as Viva and Volaris, which have gained ground with their economic model.
In terms of safety, most large airlines in the region maintain good safety records, although some historical incidents and financial difficulties have affected the reputation of certain airlines. In terms of financial success, Latin American airlines have faced challenges due to economic factors and recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in restructurings and Chapter 11 filings for LATAM, Avianca, and Aeroméxico.
Most major airlines in Latin America are not independently listed. However, LATAM and Copa Holdings are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and GOL and Azul on the São Paulo Stock Exchange, making them the most transparent and monitored airlines in the region.

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