LATAM Airlines Group announced last April 17, the conclusion of a study, which considers the creation of a main hub in the northeast coast. Three cities are being looked at to host it: Fortaleza, Natal and Recife. The main goal is to expand the activities of the Group companies on flights between South America and Europe, considering the strategic geographical position in the Northeast.
Regardless of the specific city, the new hub will result in better connectivity for the entire north-central Brazil. Today, the supply of the national aviation is more concentrated in the Southeast, South and in Brasilia. The project brings opportunities for new flights, destinations, routes and connections for the entire area of the Federal District, especially the North and Northeast Regions.
The new hub focuses on significant expansion of connectivity options for passengers for flights within Brazil, as well as connections with Latin America and major European centers.
“The project will expand the reach of the operations of Latam in Brazil, in South America and in the international market, especially increasing served destinations in Europe. Will also strengthen the Group’s leadership in Latin America and increase the connectivity offered to customers optimizing the flow of passengers and cargo cover to / from Brazil and other markets, “says Claudia Sender, chief executive of TAM SA and TAM Linhas Aereas.
The feasibility of the implementation of the new Hub Northeast is the result of growth opportunities generated by the creation of LATAM Airlines Group. The union of TAM and LAN promotes options for strengthening and the expansion of operations of the Group companies.
The new hub operations will be conducted with the fleet that LATAM Group has already contracted, and there will be no need additional aircraft orders.
The criteria for the definition of the cities are: geographic location, airport infrastructure and its development potential, and also providing a better customer experience. The chief executive of TAM SA points out that factors such as the existence of adequate infrastructure and cost competitiveness will guide this setting and will determine the realization of this project as it will bring the necessary basis for the success of the initiative.
It is expected that such decisions be taken until the end of 2015 and it is estimated to start operating in December 2016.
