LATAM History
LATAM Airlines Group, commonly known as LATAM, is the largest airline conglomerate in Latin America. It was formed through the merger of LAN Airlines and TAM Airlines in 2012. The airline has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century.
The origins of LATAM can be traced back to the founding of LAN Airlines in 1929. At that time, it was a small airline based in Chile, operating domestic flights. Over the years, LAN Airlines expanded its route network and began operating international flights, becoming one of the leading airlines in South America.
TAM Airlines, on the other hand, was founded in Brazil in 1976. It started as a regional airline and gradually grew to become one of the largest airlines in the country. TAM Airlines focused on expanding its domestic and international routes, providing connectivity within Brazil and to destinations across the globe.
More Airline Insights & Tips
Here are a few of helpful resources & tips that can further enhance your knowledge of LATAM airlines and how to best be prepared for your trip:
- Delays are an unfortunate fact of the life of an air traveler. Arm yourself against surprises by knowing the flight status of your LA LATAM flight before heading to the airport, as this could save you a lot of time, or even your trip to the airport if your flight is canceled.
- Info can be found here on LATAM’s company structure, headquarters, etc.
- See which partnerships and alliances LATAM has here. This is useful if you want to build up your frequent flyer points on partner airlines.
- Want to know which plane types are in service? Check out LA’s fleet list here.
- When considering a flight booking on LATAM, be aware that third-party travel sites might require you to use their customer service instead of LATAM's, which may be less than ideal in certain situations.
Beyond the history presented here for LATAM, if you’re wanting more aviation history, read about the history of commercial flight here, or the history of the airline industry here.
In 2012, LAN Airlines and TAM Airlines announced their merger, creating LATAM Airlines Group. This strategic alliance brought together two major players in the Latin American aviation industry, combining their resources, networks, and expertise.
Following the merger, LATAM Airlines Group became the largest airline in Latin America and one of the largest in the world. It operates a vast network of routes, serving destinations in more than 20 countries across the Americas, Europe, and Oceania.
LATAM Airlines Group has been recognized for its commitment to safety, service quality, and sustainability. It has received numerous awards and accolades, including being named the "Best Airline in South America" by Skytrax for several consecutive years.
The airline has also been at the forefront of innovation in the industry. It has introduced new technologies and services to enhance the passenger experience, such as online check-in, in-flight entertainment systems, and Wi-Fi connectivity on select aircraft.
Today, LATAM Airlines Group continues to be a leading force in Latin American aviation. It strives to provide seamless travel experiences, connecting people and cultures across the region and beyond.
For more information about this airline, check out our comprehensive LATAM Guide.
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