Declan Ryan majority shareholder of LNA
In an article today in Aero Latin News, Juan Emilio Posada, President of LNA (La Nueva Aerolinea,) a Colombian low-cost airline 'start-up' slated to begin scheduled services in October 2011, announced that the majority shareholder in this new airline is none other than Declan Ryan. It's reported that Mr. Ryan met yesterday with Colombian President, Juan Manuel Santos and with the Minister of Transport, Germán Cardona to "to formalize links with Colombia for the launch of a low-cost airline", whose name will be announced today when the airline is officially launched. While previous communications from LNA have only spoken of operating national routes, it was announced yesterday that they will also operate international routes, most likely with neighbouring countries. Although LNA's AOC covers both Boeing and Airbus aircraft, the involvement of Mr. Ryan will probably signify that LNA will be equipped with 737-800's and coincidentally, RyanAir has 3 such aircraft in storage at present. The Ryan family have other airline interests such as Viva Aerobus in Mexico, Tiger Airways in Asia and Allegiant in the USA.
Although some question whether the 'Low-Cost' model is a good fit for the Latin American market, and cite the financial situation at Aires as evidence, passenger numbers increased significantly when fares were reduced. Juan Emilio Posada and his executives are counting on this trend continuing so as to ensure the success of LNA.
At present, LNA is actively looking for a Chief Pilot, and as Aires was the only other 737 operator in the country, they may have to look to foreign nationals for a suitable candidate.
Regards,
Mango Biche