Budget airline boss has tricks to take off in costly Argentina

Buenos Aires

THE serial airline entrepreneur trying to launch Argentina's first low-cost carrier is betting the government will deregulate the industry enough to make his venture viable. And if it doesn't, he's got a back-up plan.

Julian Cook, 43, chief executive officer of Flybondi, said he's been told by Tourism Minister Gustavo Santos that price floors for airlines will be scrapped within the next year. But in Argentina, regulatory changes often take longer than planned and so Mr Cook is ready with a few tricks to get around the restrictions, like setting up a members-only club or throwing in a free hotel room with the cost of a ticket.