The Argentinean regional government of Tucumán is negotiating a lucrative deal with Chilean-owned airline LAN Argentina to develop the region into a cargo centre for the export of fresh fruits, Tucumán governor José Alperovich has told local media.
The deal is expected to be signed “within 60 days”, according to Mr Alperovich, and would develop the region into an exit port for exports of primarily blueberries and strawberries.
Under the agreement, the major fruit-producing region of Tucumán would link up with the Argentinean capital Buenos Aires via a new route operated by LAN Argentina.
“The project is of great interest to LAN; for not only the transport of fruit but also the operation of passenger flights to Buenos Aires,” said Mr Alperovich.
LAN Argentina launched passenger and cargo services in June 2005 and operates routes from Buenos Aires to Córdoba, Mendoza, Iguazú, Bariloche, Comodoro Rivadavia, Río Gallegos, El Calafate and Ushuaia.
The company also operates international services to Miami in the US and São Paulo in Brazil.
