MIAMI, April 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In one of the most important steps in the consolidation of LAN Airlines, TAM Airlines and their affiliates under the new global LATAM brand, LATAM Airlines Group today revealed its new aircraft design at simultaneous launch events in countries where the group operates.
In addition to the new image of LATAM aircraft, the company presented a number of other changes that will be visible from May onwards, including new uniforms, airport signage and counter design as well as a consolidated website (www.latam.com).
"In the coming days, aircraft with the new LATAM image will take to the skies, representing a historic milestone for the leading airline group in Latin America," said Enrique Cueto, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group. "It will be a gradual change with the principal objective of simplifying and improving the travel experience of our passengers.
"In the coming weeks, our passengers will start to experience LATAM with the ability to book tickets via the LATAM website, accumulate kilometers using LATAM's frequent flyer program, check-in at LATAM counters, relax in LATAM VIP lounges and most significantly, fly on LATAM-branded aircraft. We will continue to optimize the most extensive route network in Latin America, the most modern fleet in the region and invest in digital solutions to offer our passengers a more personalized travel experience."
The first flight of a LATAM-branded aircraft, a Boeing 767, will depart from Rio de Janeiro on 1 May on a one-off journey to Geneva to collect the Olympic torch. The specially prepared aircraft will then return on 3 May to Brasilia, the starting place of the Rio 2016 Olympic Torch Relay between more than 300 Brazilian cities.
On 5 May, the first three commercial flights of aircraft with the new LATAM image will operate the following routes: São Paulo-Santiago (a Boeing 767 service departing São Paulo at 09:05 local time); Santiago-Lima (an Airbus A319 service departing Santiago at 09:10 local time); and São Paulo-Brasilia (an Airbus A319 service departing São Paulo at 14:20 local time).
More than 50 aircraft are anticipated to be rebranded before the end of 2016 and the fleet-wide process is expected to be finalized in 2018. Repainting takes on average six to 12 days per plane and will be scheduled in accordance with routine maintenance to maximize efficiency.
From 5 May, LATAM's evolution will also become visible in 13 airports where the group's airlines operate including their hubs in Santiago, São Paulo (Guarulhos), Lima and Brasilia as well as Río de Janeiro (Galeão), São Paulo (Congonhas), Buenos Aires (Ezeiza), Bogotá, Quito, Miami, Madrid, Guiyaquil and New York (JFK). Changes will range from new-look check-in counters and VIP lounges to rebranded boarding passes and screen displays.
In early May, the group will launch its new integrated website www.latam.com – available in six languages – where passengers will be able to seamlessly purchase tickets, check-in, review real-time flight statuses, set-up alerts and access other useful travel information.
Today also saw the unveiling of the new uniforms to be worn by over 23,000 cabin crew, sales office and airport staff throughout LATAM Airline Group's network, with the global roll-out to begin before the end of 2016. The LATAM uniforms – which showcase the signature indigo and coral of the LATAM logo – were created by the celebrated Brazilian fashion designer Pedro Lourenço with collaboration from a focus group of over 80 employees from different areas of the company.
LATAM Airlines Group signaled further developments to its in-flight experience including a new onboard magazine and media platform Vamos/ LATAM, which will offer content across a range of channels in Spanish, Portuguese and English. In addition, an exclusive South American wine list will be introduced to all international flights of LATAM Airlines Group during 2016. The improvements follow last year's introduction of LATAM Entertainment – which offers wireless content streaming direct to passengers' mobile devices – to 200 short-haul aircraft (Airbus A319, A320 and A321).
To support the launch of the new LATAM products and services, the group will launch integrated marketing campaigns in each of the countries where it operates.
For more information about the implementation of the new LATAM brand visit: www.latam.com
New aircraft painting technology
LATAM Airlines Group is using new technology to paint LATAM aircraft that is 25% lighter than conventional methods, which the group expects will result in an average weight reduction of 20kg per aircraft.
The painting process for each aircraft requires multiple applications of paint and Clearcoat, a new technologically-advanced gloss coating which protects against extreme temperatures and aerodynamic wear. In total, repainting takes six days – the first two days to remove the original paintwork, followed by the application of multiple coats over four days. In terms of quantity, a Boeing 787 for example, requires 300 liters of paint and 150 liters of Clearcoat.
The new Clearcoat technology, used by LATAM, will also reduce each aircraft's impact on the environment through the weight savings. It is estimated that the new technology will achieve a reduction in the group's CO2 emissions of 3,900 tons per year.
About LATAM Airlines Group S.A.
LATAM Airlines Group S.A. is the new name given to LAN Airlines S.A. as a result of its association with TAM S.A. LATAM Airlines Group S.A. now includes LAN Airlines and its affiliates in Peru, Argentina, Colombia and Ecuador, and LAN Cargo and its affiliates, as well as TAM S.A. and its subsidiaries TAM Linhas Aereas S.A., including its business units TAM Transportes Aereos del Mercosur S.A., TAM Airlines (Paraguay) and Multiplus S.A. This association creates one of the largest airline groups in the world in terms of network connections, providing passenger transport services to about 137 destinations in 25 countries and cargo services to about 144 destinations in 26 countries, with a fleet of 321 aircraft. In total, LATAM Airlines Group S.A. has approximately 50,000 employees and its shares are traded in Santiago, as well as on the New York Stock Exchange, in the form of ADRs, and Sao Paulo Stock Exchange, in the form of BDRs.
LATAM Airlines Group announced that LATAM is the new brand for LAN Airlines, TAM Airlines and Affiliates. LATAM Airlines Group is currently working on the gradual roll-out of the new corporate brand image. The first changes will be visible starting in the first half of 2016.
Each airline will continue to operate under their current brands and identities. For any inquiry of LAN or TAM, please visit www.lan.com or www.tam.com.br, respectively. Further information at www.latamairlinesgroup.net
Contact:
Megan Kat Williams, LATAM Airlines Group, megan.kat@latam.com, 786-265-6333
Caitlin Galeotti, Edelman, caitlin.galeotti@edelman.com, 212-729-2494
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SOURCE LATAM Airlines Group S.A.