The Daily Journal — Venezuelan airline Laser temporarily reorganized its operations after the disruption caused by the earthquakes. The experience led the company to identify an opportunity to develop a more flexible airport network with a stronger presence at regional airports across the country.
Eliana Verkooke, Laser’s Commercial Director, told Bloomberg that, despite the emergency and the loss of about 15 employees in the earthquakes, the airline remains committed to its expansion plans and its long-term outlook for Venezuela’s domestic market.
Operational restructuring and route recovery
According to Bloomberg, activating alternative airports in Valencia, Maracay, and Barcelona enabled the airline to restore more than 90% of its regular flight schedule in a short period.
“The emergency has not changed our vision of the market, but it has reshaped our immediate operational priorities,” Verkooke said.
She added that the experience reinforced the importance of air transportation for Venezuela’s economy.
“Venezuela continues to be a market with strong demand for connectivity, both domestic and international. Recent events have shown just how essential aviation is for mobility, trade, and the country’s recovery,” she said.
Proposal for a multiregional network
The airline’s Commercial Director said operations from regional airports demonstrated that Venezuela has the technical and commercial capacity to establish a multiregional operating model. She therefore proposed maintaining some international routes from other airports after Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía regains full operations.
“It is entirely feasible in the medium and long term, provided it is not presented as a replacement for Maiquetía but rather as a hybrid, complementary model,” Verkooke said.
She explained that Maiquetía will continue to handle most of the country’s infrastructure, maintenance facilities, and passenger demand. However, maintaining international flights from other airports would create commercial advantages and strengthen the aviation system’s ability to respond to future emergencies.
Source: Bloomberg.
