Itapemirim will be fined for disrespect to consumers, says Procon

São Paulo’s Procon announced that it will fine Itapemirim Transportes Aéreos for the abrupt suspension of the company’s services last Friday (17th).

The agency claims that the company’s response to their questions did not meet expectations and that the fine, which could reach R$ 11 million, will be applied due to disrespect to consumers. Also according to Procon, more than 133,000 passengers –considering round trips in the period from December 17th to February 17th– were affected by the problem, according to the company’s response. The information was provided by columnist Mônica Bergamo.

“Given the seriousness of the situation, the company must provide an immediate solution to the passengers – whether relocating on another flight or returning the amounts. The inspection team will apply a fine and criminal measures are being analyzed,” said Procon.

Sought to comment on the decision of the consumer protection agency, Itapemirim informed that Procon’s questions “were answered in a timely manner”, and that it has not measured efforts to relocate passengers.

In responses to Procon, ITA stated that it plans to resume its activities on February 17, 2022.

The company had 24 hours, which ended this Tuesday (21) at 6 pm, to inform Procon which measures would be taken. According to the agency, the company limited itself to stating that it will provide support and reimburse those affected.

“The abrupt suspension of its activities reveals a lack of planning, of respect for consumers and shows that the company was unable to operate”, analyzed the organ.

Also according to Procon, the company informed that the suspension occurred due to problems caused by the outsourced company that provided technical services for ramp service on aircraft and cargo operations, in addition to passenger services.

Employees of the service provider would have left their jobs on Friday (17), while an agreement provided that operations would take place until January 10th.

Grupo Orbital, an outsourced air transport assistance company that served ITA, said in a note that “at no time has it failed to provide specialized services to ITA, even with payments in arrears since September.”

For Procon, ITA, aware of the forecast of the end of the performance of the partner company, should have taken measures to avoid the unexpected suspension of air services.

Itapemirim informed that just over half of the passengers with trips scheduled until December 31 had already been re-accommodated on flights from other companies or had their values ​​refunded.

The company has also been offering bus tickets –the group’s vehicle is still operating– and says that the priority for accommodation at other companies is for passengers in transit who need to return home.

Report from leaf, however, showed that many still face difficulties to mark the return.