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The LATAM brand is born with three inaugural flights, a new airport image and website

LATAM Airlines Brazil commences sales for flights between Sao Paulo and Johannesburg, becoming the first Latin American airline to connect the region to Africa.

SAO PAULO – LATAM, the new brand of LAN and TAM, operates its first commercial flights today, coinciding with the unveiling of its new image in 13 airports around the world and the launch of its integrated website: latam.com.

Tickets also went on sale for the group’s new non-stop service between Sao Paulo and Johannesburg, South Africa, which will be operated by LATAM Airlines Brazil. With the introduction of the route, it will become the only Latin American airline group to connect the two continents.

The first three commercial flights using aircraft with the LATAM brand will connect some of the group's most important passenger hubs:

  • JJ8118, from Sao Paulo/Guarulhos to Santiago, is scheduled to depart at 09:05* and will be operated by a Boeing 767 aircraft
  •  LA2634, from Santiago to Lima, is scheduled to depart at 09:10* and will be operated by an Airbus A319 aircraft
  • JJ3579, from Sao Paulo/Guarulhos to Brasilia, is scheduled to depart at 14:20* and will be operated by an Airbus A319

*Local time

"Today, a new chapter begins in the history of Latin American and global aviation.  LATAM Airlines Group will offer clients more than a new brand – it will offer a new travel experience. The LATAM brand will simplify and improve the travel experience for all our passengers.  While the changes will be made gradually over the coming years, the benefits will be immediate," said Enrique Cueto, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group.

Beginning in May, passengers will also see the new LATAM identity in 13 airports: Bogota, Brasilia, Buenos Aires/Ezeiza, Guayaquil, Lima, Madrid, Miami, New York/John F. Kennedy, Quito, Rio de Janeiro/Galeao, Santiago, Sao Paulo/Congonhas and Sao Paulo/Guarulhos.

Changes at airports will range from new signage at check-in counters and ticket desks to LATAM boarding passes and baggage tags as well as the new-look VIP lounges.  In line with the aircraft rebranding, the roll-out across all airports where the company operates should be concluded within three years.

New route: Sao Paulo – Johannesburg
Tickets went on sale today for the first international route of LATAM Airlines, which will connect Latin America to Africa. From 2 October 2016, the airline group will operate flights between Sao Paulo/Guarulhos (Brazil) and Johannesburg (South Africa), using Boeing 767 aircraft with 191 seats in Economy and 30 seats in Premium Business. Operation of the flight is subject to final approval from South African government authorities.

Economy tickets on the route will available from US$649 via www.latam.com as well as part of vacation packages from LATAM Travel, the new brand of LANTOURS and TAM Viagens, and partner travel agencies.

With the new route, LATAM will become the only Latin American airlines group with regular flights to Africa, offering passengers increased connectivity.

"After the Americas, Europe and Oceania, Africa will become the fourth continent with regular flights operated by LATAM Airlines Group. We have been working hard over the past few months to obtain the approvals necessary to operate this flight," said Roberto Alvo, Senior Vice President – International Business and Alliances of LATAM Airlines Group. "We will continue with our preparation in order to offer a first-class product with great connections for passengers who want to travel between South Africa and Latin America, where the group offers an unparalleled network of destinations."

Initially, LATAM Airlines Brazil flight JJ8162 will depart Sao Paulo at 23:55 (local time) on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, arriving in Johannesburg at 14:10 (local time). The return flight (JJ8163) will depart Johannesburg at 23:10 (local time) on Monday, Thursday and Saturday, arriving in Sao Paulo at 04:45 the next day (local time).

From November 2016, LATAM Airlines Brazil flight JJ8162 will commence its definitive schedule, departing Sao Paulo at 23:55 (local time) on Monday, Thursday and Saturday, and arriving in Johannesburg at 14:10 (local time). The return flight (JJ8163) will depart Johannesburg at 23:10 on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, arriving in Sao Paulo at 04:45 the next day (local time).

The group expects to fly more than 50,000 passengers a year between the two destinations. Johannesburg, which welcomes visitors from all over the world, is one of the main gateways to Africa and the surrounding region, with easy connections to destinations including Cape Town, Durban as well as the picturesque islands of Mauritius, the Seychelles and the Maldives. In addition to safaris, the main attractions of the region include Kruger National Park, surf beaches, wine routes and other cultural and natural destinations.

Co-Founder & Chief Editor - TravelDailyNews Media Network | Website | + Posts

Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.

She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.

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