LATAM Brasil
The Brazilian airline brand and operating subsidiary of LATAM Airlines Group, descended from TAM and one of Brazil’s largest domestic and international carriers.
Last updated October 14, 2026
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Overview
LATAM Brasil is the Brazilian airline brand and operating subsidiary of LATAM Airlines Group. It traces its commercial origins to TAM – Transportes Aéreos Regionais, which began regional scheduled services in 1976 after Brazil reorganized its regional aviation system. The airline was built under the leadership of Rolim Adolfo Amaro and developed from a small regional operator into one of Brazil's largest carriers through fleet modernization, acquisitions, network expansion, and a strong emphasis on customer service. The company initially operated Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante aircraft in southeastern and central-western Brazil. It subsequently introduced Fokker F27 turboprops and later Fokker 100 jets, enabling it to serve a much wider domestic network. Regulatory liberalization in 1990 allowed the airline to expand beyond its original regional concession areas. TAM acquired or integrated several businesses during its growth, including VOTEC, Helisul Linhas Aéreas, the passenger division of Itapemirim Transportes Aéreos, and Pantanal Linhas Aéreas. It also established operations in Paraguay, later branded as LATAM Paraguay. TAM entered the large-jet era during the 1990s by ordering Airbus aircraft and launching international services. Its first international flight using the new Airbus fleet connected São Paulo with Miami, and services to Europe followed through a commercial relationship with Air France. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, TAM had become a major full-service competitor to Varig and VASP, offering scheduled passenger transportation, air cargo, frequent-flyer benefits, airport services, and a broad domestic network. The airline joined Star Alliance in 2010, but its strategic direction changed after TAM agreed to combine with Chilean carrier LAN Airlines. The transaction created LATAM Airlines Group in 2012. Following the merger, the Brazilian operation retained its separate regulatory and operating identity but adopted the LATAM brand in 2016. The former TAM identity was progressively removed from aircraft and customer-facing materials, although the TAM legacy remained visible in the carrier's history and in the call sign used for flights operated by the Brazilian airline. LATAM Brasil is headquartered in São Paulo and has used São Paulo–Guarulhos as its principal hub, with additional operational concentration in Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, and, at various times, Fortaleza. It operates domestic services throughout Brazil and international routes to destinations in the Americas, Europe, and other regions through the LATAM network. The airline is positioned as a full-service carrier rather than a pure low-cost operator, combining multiple cabin products, network connectivity, loyalty benefits, and cargo capacity. The company has also experienced substantial structural and financial change. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic sharply reduced air travel and led LATAM Brasil to seek judicial reorganization protection in the United States as part of the wider LATAM Airlines Group Chapter 11 restructuring. Operations continued during the process, although the group reduced capacity, adjusted its fleet and route network, and pursued a financial reorganization. LATAM Brasil remains an active major Brazilian airline and, according to Brazilian civil aviation statistics for 2023, held the country's largest domestic and international market shares when measured by passenger-kilometers flown.
History
The business lineage of LATAM Brasil begins with TAM – Táxi Aéreo Marília, an air-taxi company established in Marília, São Paulo, in 1961. That company supplied operational experience and infrastructure for the later scheduled airline. In 1975, the Brazilian government reorganized regional aviation into an integrated system divided among several concessionaires. TAM – Transportes Aéreos Regionais was established as one of those regional airlines, with Rolim Adolfo Amaro as its principal founder and leader. Scheduled operations began in July 1976 in parts of São Paulo, Mato Grosso, and Mato Grosso do Sul, with links to cities including Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, Cuiabá, Londrina, and Maringá. The carrier first used Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante aircraft, but their capacity and economics were restrictive. TAM therefore acquired Fokker F27 turboprops, gradually building a larger and more capable fleet. It reached one million passengers in 1981 and two million in 1984. After financial pressure, the company became publicly traded in 1986 and acquired VOTEC. VOTEC was renamed Brasil Central Linhas Aéreas, and the two airlines operated as an integrated consortium with distinct IATA codes and formal operating areas. Brazil removed many regional operating restrictions in 1990. Brasil Central consequently became TAM – Transportes Aéreos Meridionais and adopted TAM's visual identity while retaining the JJ code. The two operations were ultimately consolidated in 2000, when the KK operation was merged into the JJ airline, which became TAM Transportes Aéreos. During the 1990s, TAM transitioned from turboprops to Fokker 100 jets and expanded to dozens of Brazilian cities. It also acquired Helisul and the passenger operation of Itapemirim, strengthening its national presence. TAM entered international wide-body and Airbus operations in the late 1990s. It ordered A319, A320, and A330 aircraft, inaugurated service to Miami, and later opened European services through a code-share arrangement with Air France. The company was renamed TAM Linhas Aéreas in 2000. It acquired Pantanal Linhas Aéreas in 2009 and initially maintained Pantanal as a separate company within the group; Brazilian authorities later approved the transfer of Pantanal's assets into TAM, with the incorporation completed in 2013. The airline joined Star Alliance in 2010. Its longer-term alliance strategy changed after TAM and LAN Airlines agreed to combine. The transaction received regulatory approval in Brazil and Chile, subject to conditions concerning slots, competition, capacity, and alliance participation, and the merger was completed in June 2012. TAM left Star Alliance in 2014 and joined Oneworld, then left Oneworld in 2020 after LATAM's group-wide alliance strategy changed. In 2015, the group announced the full LATAM rebranding; the Brazilian airline adopted the LATAM name in 2016. The COVID-19 crisis caused an unprecedented collapse in passenger demand. In July 2020, LATAM Brasil filed for judicial reorganization in the United States, following the wider LATAM group's Chapter 11 filing earlier that year. The process was intended to allow continued operations while the group renegotiated debt, adjusted capacity, and reorganized its fleet and network. LATAM Brasil remains active, operating domestic and international services from Brazil as the group's principal Brazilian carrier. In 2023, ANAC statistics cited by the airline's reference material placed it first in Brazil for both domestic and international passenger-kilometers flown.
- 2020
LATAM Brasil enters restructuring
[1]The carrier filed for judicial reorganization protection in the United States during the COVID-19 aviation crisis.
- 2016
The Brazilian airline adopts the LATAM name
[1]TAM's Brazilian operation moved to the unified LATAM identity, adopting the LATAM name and common livery used across the group.
- 2016
The airline becomes LATAM Airlines Brasil
[1]TAM adopted the LATAM name and common livery used across the group.
- 2014
TAM joins Oneworld
[1]The Brazilian carrier entered Oneworld after the group selected that alliance during the integration process.
- 2012
LATAM Airlines Group is formed
[1]The merger of TAM and LAN was completed on June 22, creating LATAM Airlines Group.
- 2010
TAM joins Star Alliance and agrees to combine with LAN
[1]TAM became a Star Alliance member and signed an agreement that ultimately created LATAM Airlines Group.
- 2000
TAM consolidates its operating companies
[1]The KK operation was merged into the JJ airline, which continued as TAM Transportes Aéreos and later TAM Linhas Aéreas.
- 2000
TAM operations are consolidated
[1]TAM’s regional and Brasil Central operations were merged under TAM Transportes Aéreos, retaining the JJ code.
- 1997
TAM orders Airbus aircraft and begins international expansion
[1]The airline ordered a substantial Airbus fleet and inaugurated international service to Miami.
- 1986
TAM becomes publicly traded and acquires VOTEC
[1]The airline floated stock and expanded through the acquisition of VOTEC, which became Brasil Central Linhas Aéreas.
Products and positioning
Full-service network airline serving Brazil and international markets as the Brazilian brand of a major Latin American airline group, with strong domestic scale and integrated LATAM Group connectivity.
Passenger air transport · 1976
Domestic passenger flights
LATAM Brasil operates scheduled services connecting major Brazilian cities with regional destinations. Its domestic network is centered on major airports including São Paulo–Guarulhos, Brasília, and Rio de Janeiro, and supports connections between the country's principal economic regions. São Paulo, Brasília, and Fortaleza are among the principal hubs or operating bases identified for the carrier.
Passenger air transport · 1997
International passenger flights
The airline serves international markets from Brazil, with routes and connecting opportunities across South America, North America, Europe, and other destinations in the wider LATAM network. International expansion began with Airbus operations to Miami and later included European services. The airline serves international markets from Brazil, with routes and connecting opportunities across South America, North America, Europe, and other destinations in the wider LATAM network. International expansion began with Airbus operations to Miami and later included European services, including a code-sharing relationship with Air France that helped establish service to Paris.
Air cargo
LATAM Cargo
Cargo capacity is provided through the LATAM group's passenger aircraft and dedicated cargo-related operations, allowing freight movement within Brazil and across international routes.
Loyalty program
LATAM Pass
LATAM Pass is the group's customer loyalty proposition, rewarding eligible travel and partner activity with points or benefits that can be used within the LATAM ecosystem and participating partners. LATAM Pass is the group’s frequent-flyer and travel-rewards program. It supports mileage earning and redemption connected with LATAM flights and selected partner services.
Airline transportation · 1976
Domestic passenger services
LATAM Airlines Brasil operates a large scheduled network linking Brazilian capitals, regional cities, and major business and tourism markets. São Paulo, Brasília, and Fortaleza are among the principal hubs or operating bases identified for the carrier.
Airline transportation · 1997
International passenger services
The airline connects Brazil with destinations in South America, North America, Europe, and other international markets. Its international development began with service to Miami and later expanded through partnerships and long-haul Airbus aircraft.
Aircraft-based passenger product · 1997
Airbus A320-family services
A319, A320, and A321 aircraft form a major part of the carrier's narrow-body history and support high-frequency domestic and regional international flying.
Aircraft-based passenger product · 1997
Long-haul Airbus services
The carrier has operated wide-body Airbus aircraft including the A330 and A350 for longer international routes. The A350 entered the former TAM fleet during the LATAM integration period.
Brand decisions
2020
Seek Chapter 11-related judicial reorganization protectionStrategyBackground
The COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented decline in passenger demand and airline revenue, placing substantial pressure on the airline group's liquidity.
Action taken
LATAM Brasil filed for judicial reorganization protection in the United States as part of the wider LATAM Airlines Group restructuring.
Aftermath
The airline continued operating while capacity, fleet plans, network structure, and group finances were reorganized.
2016
Implement the LATAM rebrandStrategyBackground
The newly formed group sought a common identity across its former LAN and TAM airlines.
Action taken
TAM's Brazilian operation adopted the LATAM name and progressively transitioned aircraft and customer-facing materials to a shared livery and brand system.
Aftermath
The TAM name became a legacy reference while the Brazilian airline continued as a distinct operating business within LATAM Airlines Group.
2016
Rebranding from TAM to LATAM Airlines BrasilStrategyBackground
The group sought a single identity following the TAM–LAN combination.
Action taken
TAM adopted the LATAM name, common livery, and group-wide brand architecture, progressively transitioning aircraft and customer-facing materials to a shared livery and brand system.
Aftermath
The Brazilian operation retained TAM as its flight call sign while presenting itself commercially as LATAM Airlines Brasil.
2012
Complete the combination with LAN AirlinesM&ABackground
TAM faced increasingly intense competition in Brazil while LAN sought greater scale across Latin America.
Action taken
TAM and LAN completed their corporate combination and created LATAM Airlines Group, retaining Brazilian operating arrangements for the former TAM airline.
Aftermath
The transaction produced a larger regional group, required regulatory remedies, and led to later changes in alliance membership and brand identity.
2012
Selection of Oneworld during group integrationStrategyBackground
The newly created LATAM group had to choose a common global airline-alliance strategy.
Action taken
LATAM selected Oneworld and accepted conditions that included changes to São Paulo–Santiago capacity and the transfer of slots to competitors.
Aftermath
TAM joined Oneworld in 2014, while the group later withdrew from the alliance in 2020.
2010
Agreement to combine with LAN AirlinesM&ABackground
TAM faced an increasingly consolidated Latin American airline market and intense competition in Brazil, while LAN sought a larger regional platform.
Action taken
TAM signed an agreement with LAN Airlines that led to the creation of LATAM Airlines Group.
Aftermath
The transaction closed in 2012 after regulatory conditions involving slots, alliance membership, capacity, codesharing, and loyalty programs.
Recent events
LATAM and Qatar Airways expand codeshare partnership[4]
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.
Sources4 sources
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