In order to know where we want to get, it is important to remember where we are from. Before coming together and forming Latin America’s largest airline we had a history full of pioneering spirit, challenges and achievements that brought us here.
Discover the most important milestones in our history.
1929
• Commandant Arturo Merino Benítez creates LAN, Chile’s Línea Aérea Nacional.
1976
• Commandant Rolim Amaro establishes TAM, Brazil’s Transportes Aéreos Regionais.
1983
• Chile’s Corfo constitutes Línea Aérea Nacional – Chile Limitada.
1985
• LAN becomes an public limited company.
1989
• Beginning of the privatization process. Chile’s government sells 51% of stakes to local investors and to Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS).
1990
• Brasil Central changes its name to TAM - Transportes Aéreos Meridionais
1993
• TAM launches its TAM Fidelidade, the first frequent flyer program in Brazil.
1994
• LAN privatization reaches its peak: 98,7% of shares are acquired by the current controllers and other stakeholders.
1996
• TAM purchases Lapsa airliner from Paraguay’s government, creating TAM Mercosur.
• Establishment of TAM Cargo.
1997
• LAN begins trading shares on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and becomes the first Latin American airline trading ADRs on this major stock exchange.
1998
• Establishment of TAM Viagens.
• Arrival of the first A330 and completion of TAM’s first international flight from Sao Paulo to Miami.
1999
• Beginning of LAN Peru operations.
• TAM opens operations for Europe, through a codeshare agreement with Air France to Paris (Charles de Gaulle airport).
2000
• LAN joins oneworld ®.
2001
• LAN opens a cargo terminal in Miami.
• TAM establishes the Services Academy and TAM MRO.
2003
• Beginning of LAN Ecuador operations.
2004
• Change in the corporate image: LAN Airlines S.A.
• TAM starts flying to Santiago, Chile.
• Launching of business class for flights in Paris (France) and Miami (USA).
2005
• Beginning of LAN Argentina operations.
• TAM S.A. IPO at Sao Paulo Stock Exchange (Bovespa).
• Launching of flights to New York (USA) and Buenos Aires (Argentina).
2006
• LAN launches its Premium Business category.
• TAM S.A. IPO at New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
• TAM Museum is inaugurated.
• Mock-up installation in TAM’s Services Academy, consolidating it as the largest and most modern aviation training center in Latin America.
• New flights to Frankfurt (Germany), Milan (Italy), Madrid (Spain) and Paris (France) via Rio de Janeiro.
2008
• LAN ends its short distances fleet renewal process; fleet is now formed by A320 airplanes.
• TAM launches its new logo.
• Arrival of TAM’s first Boeing 777-300ER.
2009
• LAN lauches cargo operations in Colombia and domestic passengers operations in Ecuador.
• Multiplus Fidelidade becomes an independent company.
• TAM announces the acquisition of Pantanal Linhas Aereas.
2010
• LAN buys Colombian airline Aires.
• TAM officially joins Star Alliance.
• TAM successfully performs the first flight in Latin America with biofuel from jatropha.
2011
• LAN and TAM sign tying arrangements related to the business combination between both companies.
2012
• LATAM Airlines Group is born out of the joint operations of LAN and TAM.
2014
• TAM joins oneworld® alliance. Now, all air passenger transportation LATAM Group companies are part of the same global alliance.
• LATAM Group develops a strong strategic plan for the following four years (2015-2018), with the goal of becoming one of the most important airlines groups in the world.
2015
• The new LATAM brand is officially launched, with new colors and a new logo.
2016
• In May, the new LATAM image begins to be implemented.
LAN
Currently, LAN AIRLINES and its subsidiaries operate 118 passenger aircraft, while LAN CARGO and its subsidiaries have 13 cargo aircraft, featuring one of the most modern fleets in the world, resulting in greater efficiency and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, a reflection of its standing commitment to environmental protection.
Safety: our top priority
As a firm we structure our operations and maintenance around the safety of all of our flights. Our technical service facilities are certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA), Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGAC), and other civil aviation authorities. Additionally, our flight procedures are certified under ISO 9001-2000 standards.
We have established training programs for flight crews and mechanics according to the highest standards, both at facilities abroad and at our own training centers, which we have developed together with our trusted partners.
Excellence in transportation
In the area of passenger transportation, at LAN Airlines we work hard to achieve superior performance and on-time rating. Likewise, we focus on providing top-rate onboard service, attractive pricing, quick and convenient baggage check, and all the comforts of a modern fleet.
With regard to cargo operations, our focus is on offering a reliable service, maximizing capacity for different cargo types and larger volumes, and making better use of our facilities at key hubs to satisfy the needs of our clients and customers.