Name: Diego Garcia
Title: Commercial Director
Company, city: Aerolineas Argentinas; Buenos Aires, Argentina
Number of employees: 12,300
Recent project: Launching our third gateway in Argentina: Córdoba
First job: I began as a travel agent; I’ve worked in this industry for 28 years in a variety of roles.
Little-known fact about you: When I was young I played professional soccer as a fullback.
Your Business
What innovations or initiatives do you foresee in the industry over the next few years? Passenger volumes in Argentina are smaller than in many other markets, which presents a significant opportunity to expand. Our goal is to invest in Argentina’s infrastructure and airports, strengthen the domestic network, and grow traffic substantially. We set a target to increase domestic passenger numbers by one million by 2020 through new gateways and route development.
Best career advice you’ve received: I followed my father’s example. He worked two jobs to provide an education for his four sons. From him I learned the value of hard work, honesty and applying intelligence to every task.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the field? Talk to the people around you whenever you travel. Conversations with strangers often lead to unexpected business opportunities and new connections.
Diego Garcia as a Traveler
Favorite travel memory or story: My first flight was a school trip to Patagonia when I was 12. That journey sparked my passion for travel and the airline industry.
One travel tip you cannot live without: I enjoy dining while traveling, so I recommend using apps that help you discover and reserve good restaurants. Planning ahead makes meal time a pleasure and can earn rewards.
Best advice for business travelers: Whenever possible, use downtime during a business trip to explore the city you’re visiting. Even short experiences add to the trip and make travel more rewarding.
About Aerolineas Argentinas
What can premium travelers expect from an Aerolineas Argentinas flight?
We aim to provide an authentic Argentine experience on board. From service and cuisine to cultural touches, passengers begin to discover Argentina the moment they step onto our aircraft.
Aerolineas Argentinas recently reported its third-best month in its history. What can readers look forward to from the airline?
Over the past 20 months we launched 31 new routes, creating four main corridors: North, South, Atlantic and the Petroleum corridor. Our near-term focus is consolidating those routes and growing domestic traffic. For travelers from the United States, we operate flights from Miami (MIA) and New York (JFK) to Buenos Aires (EZE), and maintain visibility across the network through a codeshare with Delta Air Lines.
What are your personal recommendations for travelers to Argentina?
Argentina offers a wide range of landscapes and experiences beyond Buenos Aires, so plan to spend at least two to three weeks if you can. Visit Iguazú Falls in the north, explore more than 300 glaciers in the south, try fly-fishing in Patagonia, and consider one of our seven ski resorts. Each region feels unique—enjoy the cuisine and Argentina’s wine regions, and allow enough time to truly experience the country.