Well-known ferry operator Buquebus takes to the friendly skies between BA & Punta later this week.

With Holy Week underway, many Argentines are preparing for one last family vacation on the beaches of Uruguay. On the receiving end of the tourist influx and revenue from Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay designates this week as Tourism Week. Seizing the moment and simultaneously injecting some needed competition in the short-haul arena, Buquebus is launching direct air service from Buenos Aires to Punta del Este. According to La Nación, the well-known ferry and bus operator plans to offer three flights daily from Aeroparque Jorge Newberry to Punta’s Laguna del Sauce International Airport aboard a fleet of new ATR 72-500s. Buquebus has already purchased two of the planes, two more will be acquired before year-end and the company retains the option to buy a fifth and sixth aircraft in 2011. The fleet acquisitions coincide with the planned addition of new Buquebus routes from Punta del Este to Porto Alegre (Brazil), Ezeiza International Airport and Salto, Uruguay. When asked about tickets, Buquebus CEO Juan Patricio López said they will be competitively priced with occasional promotions “to stimulate travel among Argentines who have a house in Punta del Este and want to fly more frequently.” In other BA airline news, Texas-based American Airlines announced a third seasonal flight from Miami to Buenos Aires. “Argentina offers our customers looking for a South American vacation a rich and unique cultural experience,” said American SVP Peter Dolara. “Known for being an important financial center, Buenos Aires is also a popular destination for our business travelers.” The third Miami-Ezeiza flight will operate from July 2 to August 23. (Buquebus Online, On Twitter)