TAM Airlines will join the Oneworld alliance on March 31 next year, it has been announced.
The news comes as LAN Colombia today joined the BA-founded alliance.
TAM merged with LAN under the LATAM group last summer (see news, June 2012). One of the conditions of the merger was to consolidate under one alliance and the group then confirmed that this would be Oneworld.
So, after TAM joins on March 31, all passenger airlines operated by the LATAM group will be part of Oneworld.
TAM will leave Star Alliance the day before on March 30.
The airline today said that members of its Fidelidade frequent flyer programme will maintain all points earned and their respective tier status.
Members will in due course be briefed about the benefits and privileges they will receive under Oneworld, TAM added.
Oneworld CEO Bruce Ashby today said: "As the leading airline in Latin America’s biggest economy, Brazil, TAM’s addition represents a significant landmark in Oneworld’s journey to establish itself as the first choice airline alliance for frequent international travellers the world over.
TAM Airlines boss Claudia Sender added: "We want to introduce Brazil to our new partners and welcome them into our country. In the coming months, we will continue working to ensure a smooth transition for everyone. We also want our passengers to learn about the benefits, connections and products offered by oneworld so they can travel the world with us.”
Graham Smith
