MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

DAP wants to take off again.

Andrés Pivcevic pioneer in charter flights to the Falkland Islands from Chile is now involved in the creation of a regional air company that will fly to the extreme south and north of the country, according to Punta Arenas press.

The project requires an initial investment of five million US dollars and three Boeing 737, but learning from the past, (Mr. Pivcevic was forced out in his previous attempt by "predatory" competitive policies), the Punta Arenas businessman is inviting the Regions of Tarapaca in the north, and Magallanes in the south to participate in the joint venture.

The initial schedule would be a daily flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas and to Arica in the north with a stop over in Iquique. "The involvement of regional governments and people to help the company is essential", indicated Mr. Pivcevic.

Punta Arenas Mayor Raúl Hein gave his full support to the project, "we want to improve services to the community", however, "the most we can do is help creating the correct competition conditions, since we're impeded from participating in the undertaking".

Ivan Nikovic from the Magallanes Production and Commerce Confederation called the project a very positive alternative, "since we could have an additional airline, better communications, improve the tourist trade". Mr. Nikovic also pointed out as very encouraging the fact that "Mr. Pivcevic is involved, "he's one of us and he knows the area".

Leonardo Castex from the Punta Arenas Maritime Chamber stressed the importance of a second regular airline, "avoiding monopoly temptations, keeping air rates at normal levels, and virtually acting as a regulatory entity".

Meantime Lan-Ladeco regional representative Paola Contardo in a hearing before the Anti Monopoly Committee in Punta Arenas, assured that the company will maintain its current air ticket policy, --rebates and promotions included--, in spite of the fall out of Aero Continente, its main competitor. "We were informed that at the most there could be some minor alterations following fuel price increases or variations in the dollar exchange rate", said Bernardo Troncoso, president of the Committee. Mr. Troncoso added that according to regulations Lan-Ladeco must notify with at least 20 days anticipation any changes in air rates, besides the fact "that since the DAP incident we're all looking out all the time for any possible monopoly situation".