LATAM Airlines
A Chilean-headquartered airline group created from the combination of LAN Airlines and Brazil’s TAM, serving passengers and cargo customers across Latin America and international long-haul markets.
Last updated October 14, 2026
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Overview
LATAM Airlines is the consumer-facing airline brand and principal operating identity of LATAM Airlines Group, a Chilean multinational aviation group headquartered in Santiago. The group was created through the combination of Chile's LAN Airlines and Brazil's TAM Airlines, bringing together two of the largest airline businesses in Latin America. The transaction was agreed in 2010, approved subject to competition and connectivity conditions in 2011 and completed in 2012. The name LATAM combines the ideas of Latin America and the wider Americas. The group operates passenger and cargo airlines connected with Chile, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru. Its network is organized around major hubs including Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, São Paulo–Guarulhos, Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport and Bogotá's El Dorado International Airport. This multi-country structure gives LATAM a significant regional network while also supporting long-haul services to North America, Europe and Oceania. Cargo operations complement passenger services and connect a broader set of destinations. Following the merger, LATAM had to satisfy regulatory remedies in Chile and Brazil. These included the transfer of airport slots, limits affecting some Brazil–Chile capacity, and provisions intended to preserve competitor access to codesharing and loyalty arrangements. The group selected Oneworld as its global alliance in 2013; TAM subsequently left Star Alliance and joined Oneworld during 2014. LATAM later changed course after Delta Air Lines acquired a strategic stake. Delta agreed to purchase 20 percent of LATAM, support the group's departure from Oneworld and take delivery of certain Airbus A350 aircraft that had been on order. The investment was completed in early 2020, shortly before the COVID-19 crisis severely disrupted international aviation. LATAM introduced a unified brand across its operating airlines in the middle of the 2010s. The rebrand covered aircraft paint schemes, uniforms, airport facilities and customer-facing communications. Aircraft in the new livery began appearing in 2016, with the objective of making the formerly separate LAN- and TAM-related operations more recognizable as one group. The brand's main customer offerings include scheduled passenger travel, premium cabins, airport lounges, cargo transportation and the LATAM Pass loyalty program. LATAM Pass includes tiered statuses such as Gold, Gold Plus, Platinum, Black and Black Signature. The pandemic produced the most severe financial turning point in the group's history. LATAM filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on 26 May 2020, citing the economic effects of the collapse in aviation demand. The filing did not immediately end operations; the airlines continued flying while the group negotiated a restructuring. LATAM emerged from the proceedings in 2022 with a reorganized capital structure and continued operations under the LATAM brand. Its shares later returned to trading on the New York Stock Exchange in July 2024. LATAM's competitive positioning combines broad South American coverage with international connectivity and a tiered service model. It is not a single-country carrier: its identity is built around a regional group whose national operating airlines retain local market presence while sharing the LATAM brand, network relationships, loyalty platform and common customer proposition. The business remains exposed to fuel prices, currency movements, aircraft availability, airport capacity, regulatory restrictions and cyclical demand for air travel.
History
LATAM Airlines emerged from the combination of LAN Airlines, the Chilean carrier, and TAM Airlines, the Brazilian airline. The companies signed a non-binding merger agreement on 13 August 2010 and a binding agreement on 19 January 2011. Chilean authorities approved the transaction in September 2011 with conditions designed to protect competition on Chile–Brazil routes and preserve access to airport infrastructure. Brazilian approval followed in December 2011 with comparable remedies, including requirements related to slots, frequencies and alliance membership. The transaction closed in 2012 after TAM shareholders approved LAN's takeover. Enrique Cueto, previously LAN's chief executive, became LATAM's chief executive, while Mauricio Rolim Amaro, formerly TAM's vice-chairman, became chairman. The combined organization retained operating airlines associated with several Latin American countries but adopted LATAM as its common commercial identity. Its strategic value came from combining LAN's established Chilean and international network with TAM's scale in Brazil, the region's largest aviation market. Alliance strategy was an early post-merger issue. In March 2013, LATAM selected Oneworld as its global airline alliance. TAM left Star Alliance and joined Oneworld in 2014. The group subsequently pursued a more unified customer proposition, including a common brand, shared visual identity and a consolidated loyalty concept. In August 2015, LATAM announced that the group airlines would be rebranded under the LATAM name. The first aircraft using the new livery appeared in April 2016, and the program extended to uniforms, airport check-in environments and other customer touchpoints. The group's ownership and alliance position changed again in 2019 when Delta Air Lines announced plans to acquire 20 percent of LATAM. The arrangement was completed in January 2020. Delta also agreed to fund LATAM's Oneworld exit fee and take certain Airbus A350 aircraft from LATAM's order book. LATAM announced that it would leave Oneworld on 1 May 2020. The strategic transition coincided with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought a global contraction in airline traffic. On 26 May 2020, LATAM filed for Chapter 11 protection in the United States. The filing covered the financial reorganization of the group while airlines continued operating subject to the conditions of the pandemic and changing travel restrictions. LATAM's shares were removed from the New York Stock Exchange in June 2020 and traded over the counter during the restructuring. The company completed its Chapter 11 process and emerged in 2022 with a reorganized balance sheet and ownership structure. LATAM's post-restructuring business continues to center on passenger and cargo operations across South America and international routes. Its network is anchored by hubs in Santiago, São Paulo, Lima and Bogotá, with additional national operating companies in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru. LATAM Argentina ceased operations in 2020, while the group has also adjusted other subsidiary and cargo arrangements over time. The brand remains one of the most geographically extensive airline identities in Latin America, combining local market operations with a common loyalty program, premium products, lounges and international connections.
- 2024
New York Stock Exchange trading resumes
[1]LATAM's LTM American depositary receipt was relisted on the New York Stock Exchange on 24 July 2024.
- 2024
NYSE ADS relisting
[5]Certain shareholders completed a secondary offering of 19 million ADSs and LATAM’s ADSs returned to the New York Stock Exchange.
- 2022
LATAM emerges from Chapter 11
[1]The group completed its U.S. bankruptcy restructuring and resumed operations under a reorganized capital structure.
- 2022
Emergence from Chapter 11
[5]The group completed its U.S. court-supervised restructuring and resumed operations under a reorganized capital structure.
- 2020
COVID-19 restructuring begins
[1]LATAM filed for Chapter 11 protection on 26 May as the pandemic sharply reduced aviation demand.
- 2020
Chapter 11 filing and leadership transition
[5]LATAM entered Chapter 11 protection during the pandemic and Roberto Alvo succeeded Enrique Cueto as chief executive.
- 2019
Delta announces a strategic stake
[1]Delta announced plans to acquire 20 percent of LATAM and support the carrier's departure from Oneworld.
- 2019
Delta strategic investment announced
[3]Delta Air Lines announced an agreement to acquire a 20 percent interest in LATAM and establish a strategic partnership.
- 2016
New LATAM livery enters service
[1]Aircraft began appearing in the new LATAM livery as the group rolled out its unified customer-facing identity.
- 2015
Unified LATAM rebrand announced
[1]The group announced that its airlines would adopt a single LATAM commercial brand and visual identity.
Products and positioning
Full-service network airline group with broad South American coverage and international connectivity A large Latin American network carrier linking domestic and regional markets with long-haul international destinations, while also operating a significant air-cargo business.
Scheduled airline service · 2012
Passenger air travel
LATAM sells scheduled domestic, regional and long-haul passenger transportation through operating airlines in several South American countries. The network connects major South American cities with destinations in North America, Europe and Oceania, using hub airports in Santiago, São Paulo, Lima and Bogotá.
Premium cabin
LATAM Premium Business
LATAM Premium Business is the group's premium long-haul cabin product. Depending on aircraft and route, it offers enhanced seating, onboard service, priority airport treatment and access to premium facilities. It is positioned for business and leisure travelers seeking a higher-service international experience.
Premium cabin
LATAM Premium Economy
Premium Economy provides an intermediate service tier between the airline's standard economy offering and its highest premium cabin. Benefits vary by route and aircraft but can include additional space, priority services and an enhanced onboard proposition.
Air cargo transport · 2012
LATAM Cargo
LATAM Cargo provides air-freight transportation through the group's cargo network and dedicated or cargo-configured aircraft. It serves export, import and time-sensitive logistics demand across Latin America and international markets, complementing the group's passenger network. LATAM Cargo provides air-freight transportation for commercial shippers, using dedicated freighter aircraft together with cargo capacity in passenger aircraft. Its network serves destinations across the Americas and other international markets. Cargo offerings can include scheduled freight capacity and specialized handling, although available products and routes depend on aircraft, regulatory requirements and operating subsidiary.
Loyalty program · 2016
LATAM Pass
LATAM Pass is the group's frequent-flyer program. Members can earn and redeem loyalty currency through eligible LATAM flights and participating partners, with tiered status levels including Gold, Gold Plus, Platinum, Black and Black Signature. Benefits may include priority services and lounge access. LATAM Pass is the group’s loyalty program. It supports customer retention by awarding miles or other loyalty benefits associated with eligible flights and participating partners, and by providing redemption and tier-related benefits under program rules. Specific earning, redemption and status conditions are market-dependent and can change over time.
Airport service
LATAM Lounges
LATAM operates branded lounges at selected airports, including facilities in Santiago, São Paulo, Lima, Bogotá, Miami and Buenos Aires. Access is generally associated with premium tickets and qualifying LATAM Pass status, subject to route and airport rules.
Air passenger transport · 2012
LATAM passenger flights
Scheduled passenger services form the group’s principal consumer offering. LATAM connects domestic markets in South America with regional routes and long-haul international destinations. Depending on the route and aircraft, customers may choose different fare families and cabin classes, with ancillary options such as baggage, seat selection and flexibility. The network and onboard proposition vary by operating country and are subject to seasonal and commercial changes.
In-flight entertainment
LATAM Play
LATAM Play is LATAM’s onboard entertainment service. Depending on aircraft and route, passengers may access films, television, music and games through seatback screens or through their own mobile devices. The platform also provides an onboard media environment for advertising and branded content.
Controversies
2026
LATAM Airlines discloses LATAM Pass data breach
LATAM Airlines Brasil disclosed on 19 August 2026 that a flaw in its systems allowed unauthorised automated queries against customer data registers, exposing names, dates of birth, email addresses, telephone numbers, home addresses and partial card details of a limited portion of LATAM Pass frequent flyer members. The incident was detected internally on 29 July 2026 and Brazil's data protection authority ANPD was notified. Full card numbers, CVV codes, passwords and bank details were not exposed.
Marketing campaigns
- 2020Peru COVID-19 vaccine distribution support
Peru
LATAM Perú announced that it would help distribute vaccines without charge to fifteen provinces in Peru as part of the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Outcome. The initiative supported public-health logistics during the pandemic.
- 2015LATAM unified-brand transformation
South America · International
LATAM announced a group-wide brand transformation intended to replace the separate LAN and TAM customer identities with one airline brand, including a new name, livery, uniforms and airport environments.
Outcome. The first aircraft in the new livery appeared in 2016 and the unified identity was progressively implemented across the group.
- Microsoft Advertising native advertising program
Brazil
LATAM Airlines Brazil expanded beyond conventional search advertising by using native formats alongside travel-audience and destination remarketing. The activity targeted people who had visited the airline’s website or searched for destinations, while interest audiences were used to broaden reach.
Outcome. Microsoft reported a 240 percent increase in reach and a 133 percent increase in click share in the case study, although the publication does not provide a full independent methodology or a precise campaign date.
- VAMOS onboard magazine
South America · Latin America
LATAM used its VAMOS inflight magazine as a multilingual onboard publishing and advertising channel, with Spanish, English and Portuguese editions or content serving different route groups. The publication connected advertisers with passengers during domestic, regional and international journeys.
Outcome. The cited media source describes the magazine as a recurring monthly channel, but later aviation-media materials indicate that LATAM adjusted its onboard media mix and emphasized digital and video formats.
Brand decisions
2024
Relist American depositary shares in New YorkOtherBackground
LATAM’s ADSs had been delisted from the NYSE in June 2020 after the group entered Chapter 11.
Action taken
Certain shareholders offered 19 million ADSs in a secondary U.S. transaction, and the ADS program returned to the NYSE.
Aftermath
The transaction reopened LATAM’s U.S. trading venue without the company itself receiving proceeds from the secondary sale.
Secondary ADS offering. Approximately US$460 million; 19 million ADSs offered at US$24 each (July 2024)
2020
File for Chapter 11 protectionOtherBackground
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp reduction in air travel and placed extraordinary pressure on LATAM's liquidity and operations.
Action taken
LATAM filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code while continuing to operate and negotiate a restructuring.
Aftermath
The group emerged from the proceedings in 2022 with a reorganized financial structure.
2020
Enter Chapter 11 restructuringStrategyBackground
The COVID-19 pandemic sharply reduced passenger demand and placed severe liquidity and operating pressure on the airline group.
Action taken
LATAM and certain affiliates sought protection under Chapter 11 in the United States while continuing operations and pursuing a court-supervised reorganization.
Aftermath
LATAM emerged from the process in November 2022 with a reorganized capital structure and continued as an operating airline group.
2019
Accept Delta Air Lines' strategic investmentM&ABackground
Delta sought greater access to Latin American markets and a closer relationship with one of the region's largest airline groups. LATAM sought a strategic relationship that could improve its access to the North American market and connect its South American network with Delta’s global system.
Action taken
LATAM agreed to Delta's acquisition of a 20 percent stake and associated strategic arrangements, including support for leaving Oneworld. LATAM agreed to a transaction under which Delta would acquire a 20 percent stake and work with LATAM on broader commercial cooperation.
Aftermath
The investment closed in January 2020, shortly before the pandemic forced LATAM into Chapter 11 restructuring. The transaction was completed in early 2020. LATAM subsequently left Oneworld, changing its alliance position.
Announced investment value. $1.9 billion (2019 announcement)
2015
Adopt a single LATAM brandStrategyBackground
The merged group operated with legacy LAN- and TAM-related brands and sought a more coherent multinational identity.
Action taken
Management decided to rebrand the group's airlines, aircraft, uniforms and airport customer facilities under LATAM.
Aftermath
The new identity entered visible service in 2016 and became the group's principal commercial brand.
2013
Select Oneworld as the global airline allianceStrategyBackground
Following the LAN–TAM merger, regulators required the group to address alliance and competitive-access issues.
Action taken
LATAM chose Oneworld, while TAM subsequently left Star Alliance and joined Oneworld.
Aftermath
The decision temporarily placed the combined group under one alliance platform before LATAM later exited Oneworld in 2020.
Recent events
LATAM Airlines discloses LATAM Pass data breach[10]
Reported:
LATAM Airlines Brasil disclosed on 19 August 2026 that a flaw in its systems allowed unauthorised automated queries against customer data registers, exposing names, dates of birth, email addresses, telephone numbers, home addresses and partial card details of a limited portion of LATAM Pass frequent flyer members. The incident was detected internally on 29 July 2026 and Brazil's data protection authority ANPD was notified. Full card numbers, CVV codes, passwords and bank details were not exposed.
- Unconfirmed
LAN Argentina ceases operations[11]
Reported:
LAN Argentina ceased operations in Argentina after 15 years. The article says it had stopped flying in June 2020 and had concluded agreements with employees, unions, airport offices and providers.
LATAM files for Chapter 11 reorganization in the US[12]
Reported:
LATAM Airlines Group and affiliates in Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia entered voluntary reorganization under Chapter 11 protection in the United States, following the pandemic's impact on the aviation industry.
- Unconfirmed
LATAM lays off 1,800 employees[13]
LATAM laid off 1,800 employees out of a workforce of more than 40,000 in the lead-up to its bankruptcy filing.
LATAM and Qatar Airways expand codeshare partnership[14]
Reported:
LATAM Brasil and Qatar Airways expanded their codeshare arrangement: LATAM Brasil will place its code on Qatar flights from São Paulo to Doha and 25 additional destinations, while Qatar will add its code to more LATAM Brasil flights.
Delta announces acquisition of a 20% stake in LATAM[15]
Reported:
Delta Air Lines announced that it was spending $1.9 billion to acquire a 20% stake in LATAM, which the report described as Latin America's largest airline.
Delta announces expansion of cooperation with LATAM[15]
Reported:
Delta Air Lines announced that it would spend $350 million to expand its cooperation with LATAM as part of the transaction.
Sources19 sources
- 1LATAM Airlinesen.wikipedia.org
- 2LATAM Airlines official websitelatamairlines.com
- 3LATAM Airlines Groupen.wikipedia.org
- 4LATAM Airlines Group offer and exchange prospectussec.gov
- 5LATAM Airlines’ re-IPO and NYSE relistingclearygottlieb.com
- 6LATAM Airlines Group IPO and operating profileiposcoop.com
- 7LATAM Airlines Microsoft Advertising case studyabout.ads.microsoft.com
- 8https://www.latam.com/latam.com
- 9VAMOS onboard magazineimm-international.com
- 10LATAM Airlines discloses LATAM Pass data breachriotimesonline.com
- 11LAN Argentina 停止运营simpleflying.com
- 12LATAM在美国申请第11章重组geo.tv
- 13LATAM裁员1,800人breakingtravelnews.com
- 14LATAM与卡塔尔航空扩大代码共享合作thepointsguy.com
- 15达美航空宣布收购LATAM 20%股份finance.sina.com.cn
- 16LATAM Files for Bankruptcy Protection in United States; Brazil Operations Not Includedriotimesonline.com
- 17Latin America's Largest Airline LATAM Files For Bankruptcy In USibtimes.com
- 18Latin America's LATAM Airlines files for bankruptcy protection in USbusiness-standard.com
- 19Latin America´s largest airline files for bankruptcy after slump in business due to coronavirus crisisthenews.com.pk
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