LATAM Airlines Group
A Chilean-incorporated airline holding group that operates the LATAM brand and affiliated carriers across South America and international markets.
Last updated October 17, 2026
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Overview
LATAM Airlines Group is a Chilean-incorporated airline holding company headquartered in Santiago. It is one of the largest airline groups in Latin America and operates a multinational network through airlines and subsidiaries in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru. The group’s principal activities are scheduled passenger transportation, air cargo, loyalty services and related aviation operations. The group was created through the combination of Chilean carrier LAN Airlines and Brazilian carrier TAM Linhas Aéreas. The companies signed a non-binding merger agreement in August 2010, reached a binding agreement in January 2011 and completed the transaction in 2012 after obtaining regulatory approvals in Chile and Brazil. The LATAM name was developed as a combination of “Latin” and “America,” reflecting the intended regional scope of the combined business. LAN’s former chief executive, Enrique Cueto, became group chief executive, while Mauricio Rolim Amaro, formerly vice-chairman of TAM, became chairman. The merger created a broad network with major operating centers in Santiago, Lima, São Paulo and Bogotá. Regulatory approval required remedies including the transfer of airport slots, limits on some Brazil–Chile capacity, and commitments concerning codesharing and frequent-flyer access. The combined group ultimately selected Oneworld as its global airline alliance; TAM moved from Star Alliance to Oneworld in 2014. In 2015, the group announced that its airlines would be unified under the LATAM identity. The rebrand covered aircraft appearance, uniforms, airport facilities and customer-facing materials. Aircraft began appearing in the new livery in 2016, with the broader implementation planned over subsequent years. The unified brand was intended to make the group easier to recognize while retaining local airline operations in its principal markets. LATAM also developed a significant relationship with Delta Air Lines. In September 2019, Delta announced an agreement to acquire 20 percent of LATAM for approximately $1.9 billion, support the group’s departure from Oneworld and take delivery of certain Airbus A350 aircraft that LATAM had ordered. The investment was completed in early 2020. LATAM subsequently announced that it would leave Oneworld, effective May 2020. Enrique Cueto left the chief executive role in March 2020 and was succeeded by Roberto Alvo. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a severe collapse in international aviation demand. LATAM filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on 26 May 2020, while continuing to operate flights and negotiate a financial and operational restructuring. During the proceedings, its New York Stock Exchange listing was removed and the shares traded over the counter. The group emerged from Chapter 11 in 2022 after completing its restructuring. Its LTM shares were relisted on the New York Stock Exchange in July 2024. The group’s business includes passenger flights under the LATAM brand, cargo operations through LATAM Cargo, airport lounges and LATAM Pass, a frequent-flyer program with several elite tiers. Its network and subsidiary structure make it a major connector between South America and destinations in North America, Europe and other international regions. LATAM Argentina ceased operations in 2020, while LATAM Cargo Mexico was divested and returned to the MasAir name. The group remains active as a multinational airline holding company, although its individual airlines continue to operate under country-specific corporate structures and regulatory permissions.
History
LATAM Airlines Group emerged from the merger of LAN Airlines of Chile and TAM Linhas Aéreas of Brazil. The two companies first announced a non-binding combination agreement on 13 August 2010. They signed a binding agreement on 19 January 2011, and the transaction was completed in 2012 after shareholders and regulators approved the deal. The combination created a major Latin American airline group with operating businesses in several countries and a network extending beyond the region. The merger was subject to competition-related conditions in Chile and Brazil. These included the surrender of selected airport slots, limits on capacity on certain Brazil–Chile routes, and measures intended to preserve access for competitors to codesharing and loyalty-program arrangements. The group also had to resolve the question of airline-alliance membership. In March 2013, it selected Oneworld as its global alliance, and TAM subsequently left Star Alliance in 2014. The group spent the middle of the 2010s integrating its public identity. In August 2015, LATAM announced that the airlines in the group would progressively use the LATAM name and a common visual system. The implementation covered aircraft, employee uniforms, airport check-in areas and other customer touchpoints. The first aircraft in the new livery appeared in 2016. Although the corporate identity was unified, country-specific airlines continued to operate within their respective legal and regulatory environments. LATAM’s strategic position changed again through its relationship with Delta Air Lines. In September 2019, Delta announced that it would purchase 20 percent of LATAM for $1.9 billion, help fund the group’s exit from Oneworld and accept delivery of certain Airbus A350 aircraft from LATAM’s order book. The transaction was completed in January 2020. Enrique Cueto, who had led the group since the merger, stepped down as chief executive in March 2020 and was replaced by Roberto Alvo. LATAM then announced that it would leave Oneworld on 1 May 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic produced an unprecedented decline in passenger demand and international flying. On 26 May 2020, LATAM filed for Chapter 11 protection in the United States. The filing allowed the group to continue operating while it negotiated a restructuring with creditors and other stakeholders. Its New York Stock Exchange shares were delisted in June 2020 and subsequently traded over the counter under the LTMAQ symbol. The group’s subsidiary in Peru also participated in the public-health response by assisting with free vaccine distribution to fifteen provinces. LATAM completed its restructuring and emerged from Chapter 11 in 2022. The recovery restored the group’s ability to operate as a major regional and international airline organization. Its LTM shares were relisted on the New York Stock Exchange on 24 July 2024. The group’s operating footprint includes airlines in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru. Argentina operations ended in 2020, and the former LATAM Cargo Mexico business was sold in 2018 and returned to the MasAir identity. Today, LATAM’s business model combines passenger aviation, cargo, loyalty and airport services. Its main hubs include Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport, São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport and Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport. LATAM Cargo extends the group’s freight network, while LATAM Pass provides a loyalty platform with multiple elite tiers. The group also operates branded lounges in major South American and international airports.
- 2024
New York Stock Exchange relisting
[1]The company’s LTM shares were relisted on the New York Stock Exchange.
- 2022
Emergence from bankruptcy proceedings
[1]LATAM completed its restructuring and exited Chapter 11.
- 2020
Chapter 11 filing
[1]LATAM filed for protection under Chapter 11 in the United States during the COVID-19 aviation crisis.
- 2019
Delta announces 20 percent investment
[1]Delta Air Lines announced a proposed $1.9 billion purchase of a 20 percent stake in LATAM.
- 2016
First aircraft appear in LATAM livery
[1]Aircraft began entering service or being repainted in the group’s unified visual identity.
- 2015
Unified LATAM rebrand announced
[1]The group announced that its airlines and customer-facing operations would progressively adopt the LATAM identity.
- 2014
TAM leaves Star Alliance
[1]TAM completed its move from Star Alliance to Oneworld.
- 2013
Oneworld selected as global alliance
[1]LATAM announced that the combined group would use Oneworld rather than Star Alliance as its global airline alliance.
- 2012
LATAM Airlines Group established
[1]The merger closed after approvals in Chile and Brazil, creating the combined airline holding group.
- 2011
Binding merger agreement signed
[1]LAN and TAM entered into a binding agreement for the transaction that would create LATAM Airlines Group.
Products and positioning
A leading integrated airline group connecting South American markets with global destinations through a unified regional brand.
Passenger airline · 2016
LATAM Airlines
The group’s unified passenger brand, operating through country-specific airlines in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru. It provides domestic, regional and long-haul scheduled services, with major hubs in Santiago, Lima, São Paulo and Bogotá. The common brand was introduced to replace the separate LAN and TAM identities across aircraft, airport facilities, uniforms and customer communications.
Air cargo
LATAM Cargo
The group’s cargo business transports freight through dedicated cargo aircraft and cargo capacity in passenger aircraft. It serves international markets from South American operating bases and forms part of LATAM’s integrated passenger-and-logistics network. The cargo organization includes operations associated with Brazil, Chile and other regional markets.
Frequent-flyer program
LATAM Pass
LATAM’s loyalty program rewards eligible travel and transactions with the group and participating partners. It includes several membership levels, including Gold, Gold Plus, Platinum, Black and Black Signature. Benefits can include mileage accumulation, status recognition and access to selected airline services and lounges.
Airport service
LATAM Lounges
A network of branded airport lounges serving eligible premium-cabin passengers and qualifying LATAM Pass members. Locations mentioned in reference material include airports in Santiago, Lima, São Paulo, Bogotá, Miami and Buenos Aires. The group has also used architectural and design collaborations in the renovation of selected lounges.
Controversies
2019
Lawsuit filed against American Airlines and LATAM Airlines over Cuba airport use
A lawsuit was filed in Miami federal court against American Airlines and LATAM Airlines Group, alleging that their use of Havana's José Martí International Airport involved trafficking in property expropriated in Cuba. The plaintiff sought compensation and an order for the airline to cease operating at the airport. American Airlines said it considered its Cuba service lawful and would defend it.
Marketing campaigns
- 2020Peru COVID-19 vaccine distribution support
Peru
LATAM Perú supported the public-health response by helping distribute vaccines free of charge to fifteen provinces in Peru.
Outcome. The initiative supported vaccine logistics during the COVID-19 response.
- 2015Unified LATAM brand rollout
Brazil · Chile · Colombia · Ecuador · Paraguay · Peru · International markets
LATAM announced a group-wide identity program intended to replace the separate LAN and TAM customer brands. The program covered the name, aircraft livery, uniforms, airport check-in facilities and other passenger touchpoints.
Outcome. The first aircraft using the new livery appeared in 2016, followed by broader implementation across the group.
Brand decisions
2022
Complete post-bankruptcy restructuringStrategyBackground
The group needed to reorganize its finances and corporate structure after the pandemic-era Chapter 11 process.
Action taken
LATAM completed the restructuring and exited Chapter 11.
Aftermath
The group resumed operations as an active multinational airline holding company and later restored its New York Stock Exchange listing.
2020
File for Chapter 11 protectionStrategyBackground
The COVID-19 pandemic severely reduced passenger demand and disrupted the group’s financial position and international operations.
Action taken
LATAM filed for Chapter 11 protection in the United States while continuing to operate and negotiate a restructuring.
Aftermath
The group emerged from the proceedings in 2022 after completing a restructuring.
2019
Accept Delta Air Lines’ strategic investmentM&ABackground
Delta sought to expand its presence in Latin America and deepen commercial links with a major South American airline group.
Action taken
Delta agreed to acquire 20 percent of LATAM, pay the group’s Oneworld exit fee and take delivery of certain Airbus A350 aircraft from LATAM’s order book.
Aftermath
The transaction was completed in January 2020, and LATAM announced its departure from Oneworld shortly afterward.
Announced value of Delta’s 20 percent investment. $1.9 billion (2019 announcement)
2015
Adopt a unified LATAM identityStrategyBackground
Following the LAN–TAM combination, the group sought a consistent identity across its multinational airline operations.
Action taken
The company announced a common brand, livery, uniforms and airport presentation for its airlines.
Aftermath
The first aircraft in the new identity appeared in 2016 and the brand was progressively implemented across the network.
2013
Select Oneworld as the group’s global allianceStrategyBackground
The merger of LAN and TAM required the combined group to determine a common airline-alliance affiliation. Regulatory authorities also imposed conditions affecting alliance and partnership access.
Action taken
LATAM selected Oneworld, and TAM subsequently left Star Alliance during 2014.
Aftermath
The group operated under Oneworld until its announced departure in 2020.
Recent events
LATAM Airlines Group reports quarterly earnings[5]
Reported:
LATAM Airlines Group announced quarterly earnings data, reporting earnings per share of $1.44, which beat the $1.23 consensus estimate by $0.21.
LATAM and Virgin Atlantic announce codeshare agreement[6]
Reported:
LATAM Airlines Group and Virgin Atlantic announced a codeshare agreement. Virgin Atlantic customers can book travel from Heathrow to São Paulo and onward to 12 domestic airports in Brazil; LATAM customers can connect from São Paulo to Virgin Atlantic destinations worldwide.
LATAM Group announced conservation collaboration with The Nature Conservancy[7]
Reported:
LATAM Airlines Group and The Nature Conservancy will collaborate to identify conservation projects to protect ecosystems in South America.
SafetyPay partners with LATAM Airlines Group on digital payments[8]
Reported:
SafetyPay announced a partnership with LATAM Airlines Group to enable digital payment options for airline-ticket purchases. The solution had recently launched in Chile, Colombia and Ecuador.
LATAM Airlines Brazil enters Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection[9]
Reported:
LATAM Airlines Brazil joined other parts of the airline group in entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as the group pursued financing for its restructuring.
- Unconfirmed
Delta and LATAM sign trans-American joint venture agreement[10]
Delta Air Lines signed a trans-American joint venture agreement with LATAM Airlines Group and its affiliates. The planned joint venture would combine their North and South American route networks once regulatory approvals are granted.
Lawsuit filed against American Airlines and LATAM Airlines over Cuba airport use[4]
Reported:
A lawsuit was filed in Miami federal court against American Airlines and LATAM Airlines Group, alleging that their use of Havana’s José Martí International Airport involved trafficking in property expropriated in Cuba. The plaintiff sought compensation and an order for the airline to cease operating at the airport. American Airlines said it considered its Cuba service lawful and would defend it.
Sources14 sources
- 1LATAM Airlines Groupen.wikipedia.org
- 2LATAM Airlinesen.wikipedia.org
- 3LATAM Airlines Group official websitelatam.com
- 4Lawsuit filed against American Airlines and LATAM Airlines over Cuba airport usenbcnews.com
- 5LATAM Airlines Group公布季度业绩dailypolitical.com
- 6LATAM与维珍航空宣布代码共享协议simpleflying.com
- 7LATAM集团宣布与大自然保护协会开展保护合作airlinegeeks.com
- 8SafetyPay 与 LATAM Airlines Group 合作提供数字支付prnewswire.com
- 9LATAM巴西航空申请第11章破产保护flightglobal.com
- 10达美航空与 LATAM 签署泛美合资协议asiatraveltips.com
- 11American Airlines Sued For Operating On Seized Property In Cubawgcu.org
- 12American Airlines Sued For Operating On Seized Property In Cubawlrn.org
- 13Miami Man Sues American Airlines for Using “His” Havana, Cuba Airport - Havana Timeshavanatimes.org
- 14Woman sues American Airlines alleging employee stalked her with sexually suggestive text messages during flightabcnews.com
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