LATAM Airlines is the cheapest airline among Brazil’s top three carriers.
LATAM Airlines Brasil (JJ) expects to increase its domestic passenger capacity by 20% this year, compared to levels before the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline is planning to fly to a greater number of airports by the end of the year than it had previously done in three years. This increase in airport service is due in part to the airline’s recent growth in popularity.
How has LATAM Brasil rebounded from the COVID-19 crisis?
In 2021, LATAM Brasil lost its status as Brazil’s largest airline to local competitor Azul Linhas Aéreas. This loss was a significant setback for LATAM, as it had been the carrier of choice for many Brazilians. For a brief period, both companies shared domestic codes, but Azul unsuccessfully attempted to takeover LATAM Airlines Group’s Brazilian branch.
Last year, LATAM Brasil regained its dominant position in Brazil. Until November 2022, the airline carried 28.26 million passengers, outpacing all of its competitors. It regained its position as Brazil’s largest carrier, surpassing all others in the market share department.
Latin America saw nearly 200,000 aircraft take off during the period, recovering about 84.6% of pre-pandemic passenger traffic levels, according to Brazil’s Civil Aviation Authority. LATAM Brasil has been increasing its presence at some of the most important Brazilian airports this year. For example, at Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), the airline is offering 30% more seats than before.
LATAM airlines has increased its flights to and from Rio de Janeiro’s airports during the winter holiday season. This has helped make traveling to Rio more convenient for passengers.
What to expect from LATAM Brasil this year?
LATAM Brasil is the cheapest airline option for air travel between Brazil’s top three airlines. According to the country’s civil aviation agency, LATAM’s average fare in 2022 was $111 versus GOL’s $120 and Azul’s $138.
LATAM Brasil operates around 4,805 weekly flights between São Paulo, Brazil and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The route between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro is LATAM Brasil’s largest, with 158 weekly flights.
LATAM plans to add 20% more domestic capacity in Brazil in early 2023. This shows how the company has successfully expanded its connectivity in the country. LATAM is expanding its flights to Brazil by adding 54 new airports. This is great news for travelers, as it means they can now fly to even more destinations. LATAM is also planning to launch flights to Passo Fundo in March, which will make this country even more accessible.
The airline has a wide range of domestic routes, as well as new destinations such as Sinop, Presidente Prudente, Cascavel, Caxias do Sul, Montes Claros, and Juiz de Fora.
Aline Mafra, LATAM Brasil’s Director of Sales and Marketing, said that since emerging from the pandemic and its bankruptcy process, the airline has become much more efficient.
What about the international market?
Last year, LATAM Brasil flew 2.23 million international passengers. Despite the pandemic, the airline recovered around 43.63% of its pre-pandemic traffic levels. This year, LATAM Brasil has high hopes for continued success.
In January, the airline announced plans to start service to Johannesburg and Los Angeles in 2022. Additionally, the airline has already announced plans to start service to other cities through a joint venture agreement with Delta Air Lines.
