Flybondi staff transfer to OCA Air begins

Flybondi has begun transferring its employees to operate under the new OCA Air brand. Ramp staff and employees from the Operations Control Centre signed the transfer from FB Líneas Aéreas to the company OC Support S.A. On Monday.

This administrative move is the first step in a gradual reorganization that will absorb different areas of the company. The process marks an advance in the airline's restructuring, which is moving toward replacing its commercial brand.

The Operational Transition

The airport handling subsidiary, which has already provided services to other airlines, is reportedly negotiating with more carriers. Flybondi had been the only company able to self-provide ramp services since 2019.

Regarding flight equipment, the company would return most of its aircraft to lessors. It is expected to retain three planes for the next stage. While final registrations are subject to confirmation, these could be the LV-KJD, LV-KJE, and LV-KJF.

Regulatory and Financial Pressure

A critical deadline looms. The company must operate flights as Flybondi before September 20 to maintain the validity of its Air Service Operator Certificate (CESA). To meet this requirement from the aeronautical authority, specific operations are being scheduled for the coming weeks.

All this is happening while salary payments have been owed since May. Severance payments for those who were laid off are also pending. The report questions whether all this will be part of a potential creditors' settlement for the "old" Flybondi, which would also include suppliers and thousands of passengers who bought tickets and could not fly.

The Path Forward for OCA Air

The signing of contracts for cabin crew and pilots with OCA Air remains to be seen. Reportedly, only about 150 cabin crew members and 70 pilots would be left. The new brand's colors are expected to start flying between October and November.

The fundamental challenge is operational. The source stresses that, regardless of the name, if the operational part is not resolved first, no one will risk buying a ticket with the new brand. For the sake of the remaining employees, those awaiting payments, passengers, and the local commercial air ecosystem, the report expresses a hope for a positive resolution.