TAM coup for oneworld

LATAM Airlines Group has chosen oneworld as its global alliance partner.  Essentially LAN Chile and TAM Brazil, the group was created last June (See BTN 25 June 2012).

With LAN Chile already part of oneworld and TAM Airlines involved with Star Alliance, both partnerships have been making overtures to the combined airline since the amalgamation.  The decision of TAM to join oneworld is a coup for the alliance.  There is little doubt that its international core routings to Europe (mainly BA and Iberia) and the USA (American) were important factors in the decision.

TAM Airlines will leave the Star Alliance during the second quarter of 2014 – a specific date will be announced later in 2013.  Until then customers can continue to enjoy the benefits of the current alliance.

The CEO of TAM Airlines and TAM SA, Marco Antonio Bologna, said the decision to join oneworld “is important news for TAM passengers and we are focused on ensuring a smooth transition to the company, for our partners, and, most importantly, our clients”.  According to Bologna, TAM “is joining a growing alliance, that is able to offer the best connection options to our passengers”. www.oneworldalliance.com

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