Argentina's government is planning to buy airlines Aerolineas Argentinas and Austral from a Spanish travel conglomerate for an undisclosed price, according to AP. Planning Minister Julio de Vido said he and executives from Spain's Grupo Marsans signed a deal Monday giving the government control of the airlines within 60 days. He said their assets and liabilities are being assessed to determine a price. Transportation Secretary Ricardo Jaime last week said their combined debt was US$800 million. The carriers run more than 85 percent of domestic Argentine flights. President Cristina Fernandez is expected to ask congress to back the sale in coming days.
