Now here’s anohter one that’s appeared from nowhere.
Brasil’s TAM and Chile’s LAN Group have announced the intention to merge together into a new group airline.
LATAM Airlines Group would combine a bevy of Latin America carriers including all of LAN’s and TAM’s passenger and cargo activities, whilst still maintaining all the individual brands
The merger is subject to both parties agreeing terms, getting shareholder agreement and regulatory approvals.
Combined they will be providing passenger routes to more than 115 destinations in 23 countries while providing cargo services throughout Latin America and across much of the globe.
Now for frequent flyers, there will be an increase of flights, destinations, and connections, however, there will a slight impase – LAN is OneWorld, whilst TAM is in Star Alliance. The big question is what the combined group is going to do – go towards OneWorld or Star Alliance – or straddle in the middle? It’s going to be very hard for either alliance to let go for the combined organasiation – if it’s allowed to merge.
No doubt – expect overtures from either side soon as whoever gets LATAM will simply get a major lump of South America without trying….
