A Look At LATAM’s New Routes And Partnerships

Following a lengthy Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, LATAM Airlines Group developed a strengthened network during 2023’s first half, announcing new interline agreements, launching new international routes under the scope of its Joint Venture Agreement with Delta Air Lines, and much more. Let’s take a look at the company’s latest milestones.

New interline partnership

LATAM Airlines is recovering its pre-pandemic capacity levels. At the close of 2023’s second quarter, LATAM’s capacity levels were at 80.5% of 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, the group’s consolidated operations continue to grow. During the second half of the year, the company will resume its flights from São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) to Johannesburg International (JNB) in South Africa.

Photo: F. Ferrucci/Shutterstock.

In preparation for this returning service, LATAM Airlines announced a new interline agreement with the South African carrier Airlink in May. This partnership gives LATAM Airlines and its passengers access to more than 40 destinations across Africa. The interline agreement will go live on September 2, when LATAM resumes its Boeing 787 service to Johannesburg.

Some of the destinations LATAM passengers will have access to include Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Antananarivo (Madagascar), Cape Town (South Africa), Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), and more. The LATAM-Airlink interline agreement will aim to compete against South African Airways’ services to Guarulhos from Cape Town and Johannesburg starting in October and November 2023.

The strength of the JVA with Delta Air Lines

During 2023’s first half, LATAM and Delta Air Lines also increased the reach of their Joint Venture Agreement. The South American carrier announced three new routes (Medellín-Miami, Lima-Atlanta, and Cartagena-Atlanta) and a second daily flight between Bogota and Atlanta. These routes expand the airlines’ networks and provide better connectivity between North and South America.

Photo: Matheus Obst/Shutterstock.

In total, the LATAM-Delta JVA has resulted in six new routes. Earlier this year, LATAM launched flights between Bogota and Orlando. This week, LATAM Airlines launched non-stop flights from São Paulo Guarulhos International to Los Angeles International (LAX). It is the only carrier to currently serve this city pair.

Increasing its presence in Colombia

LATAM Colombia increased its market share in the country during the period. This was done by adding five new Airbus A320 aircraft, which allowed the company to increase its capacity by approximately 20%.

The airline is taking advantage of the disappearance of Viva Air and Ultra Air, two companies that went bankrupt earlier this year. LATAM Airlines Colombia was recently allocated slots in Bogota El Dorado for the winter season, which will allow the company to maintain its increased capacity.

A growing fleet

Finally, LATAM Airlines closed the half with a fleet of 311 aircraft. The South American firm has 239 Airbus narrowbody planes, 54 Boeing widebodies, and 18 Boeing freighters.

LATAM plans to close the year with a fleet of 332 aircraft, adding 15 narrowbodies, four widebodies, and two freighters. By 2025, it expects to have 334 planes. The company’s fleet plans include 199 Airbus A320ceo family planes, 56 A320neo-family aircraft, 41 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 19 other widebody Boeings (777s, 767s), and 19 Boeing 767-300Fs.

Currently, LATAM Airlines has two Boeing 767s, one Airbus A320, and 28 A319s on sale.

What do you think about LATAM Airlines’ milestones and announcements during 2023’s first half? Let us know in the comments below.