The Government decided to repeal the rule in force since 2013 that obliged the organizations and companies of the National Public Administration to use the services of Aerolíneas Argentinas for your air travel. This measure, published in the Official Gazette through the administrative decision 1017/2024, seeks to “deregulate the market” by promoting open competition and eliminating preference for state-owned companies in public procurement. This measure is made official in the midst of the Government’s dispute with the aeronautical unions that maintain forceful measures in the midst of an unresolved joint negotiation.
The resolution represents a significant change in the administrative management practices of the Argentine State, which traditionally contracted services through the OPTAR SA platform
Until now, the Decree 1191/2012 required that entities of the National Public Sector acquire air tickets exclusively through Aerolíneas Argentinas, Austral Líneas Aéreas and its wholesale operator, OPTAR SAexcept in exceptional situations where they could not provide the required service. The objective of this regulation was to prioritize companies where the State had a shareholding.
Nevertheless, Decree 747/2024 repealed Decree 1191/2012, aligning with the approach introduced by Decree 70/2023, which prohibits the State from granting legal privileges to companies in which it is a shareholder. In addition, administrative decision 244/2013, which regulated the procedures to comply with the mandatory use scheme of OPTAR SA (Wholesale Tourist Services Operator, Unipersonal Joint Stock Company), is now repealed.
These changes are limited to the declaration of public emergency in economic and administrative matters under Decree 70/2023, which promotes deregulation and competitiveness by eliminating state barriers.
New rules for official trips of State officials and leaders
In September, the Government advanced along this line with the publication of administrative decision 888/2024, which introduced specific rules to optimize the costs of official travel. The measure requires prioritizing the most economical flights, justifying both the purpose of the trip and the number of members of the delegation, and complying with new requirements for the collection of travel expenses.
In this framework, It is established that, to reduce costs, You should opt for “the airline that offers the shortest route and the most appropriate fare, whenever possible.” In addition, it is specified that “the tickets must be issued with the same airline, for a round trip, whenever it is the most economical alternative, and must be non-endorsable, being refundable only at the office of origin.”
Regarding travel expenses and accommodations in foreign currency, It is determined that the amounts will be calculated according to the currency exchange rate on the day prior to departure, based on the selling exchange rate reported by the Central Bank. Likewise, it is clarified that, if the invitations include meal coverage, a maximum of 50% of the corresponding travel expenses will be settled. If the invitations cover accommodation, no additional amount will be granted for this concept.
Source: Ambito
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