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LATAM Airlines Group, formerly known as LAN Chile and LAN Airlines, is a Chilean airline that is currently the largest airline corporation in Latin America. As of May 2025, LATAM Airlines operates in 154 airports across 26 countries, including the United States. The airline was founded in 1929 by Chilean Air Force Commodore Arturo Merino Benítez, after whom Santiago International Airport is named. LATAM Airlines' main hubs are in the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago, Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo, and Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, with secondary hubs in Bogotá, Quito, Guayaquil, and Asunción.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | LATAM Airlines Group |
| Former Name | LAN Chile, LAN Airlines |
| Main Hubs | Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, Guarulhos International Airport, Jorge Chávez International Airport |
| Secondary Hubs | Bogotá, Quito, Guayaquil, Asunción |
| Number of Destinations | 148 |
| Number of Countries Served | 26 |
| Number of Airports Served | 154 |
| Membership Program | LATAM Pass |
| Membership Categories | Five |
| Major Shareholders | Cueto Family |
| Former Shareholders | Sebastián Piñera |
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What You'll Learn
LATAM Airlines operates in 26 countries
LATAM Airlines, the largest airline in Latin America, operates in 26 countries. The airline was founded in 1929 as Línea Aeropostal Santiago-Arica (Postal Air Line Santiago-Arica) and was renamed to LAN Airlines in 2004. In 2016, it rebranded as LATAM Airlines. The airline has its main hubs in the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago, Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo, and Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. It also has secondary hubs in Bogotá, Quito, Guayaquil, and Asunción.
LATAM Airlines has a significant presence in South America, with domestic operations in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The airline also serves international destinations within Latin America and to North America, the Caribbean, Oceania, Asia, and Europe. In 2017, LATAM Airlines opened its longest flight route, from Santiago to Melbourne, Australia. This route is approximately 11,300 kilometres long and is considered the southernmost commercial point-to-point flight in the world.
LATAM Airlines has expanded through mergers and acquisitions, including its merger with Brazilian Airline TAM Linhas Aéreas in 2012, which formed the LATAM Airlines Group. The group has subsidiaries in multiple countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru. In 2019, Delta Air Lines acquired a 20% stake in the LATAM Group to expand its access to the Latin American market.
LATAM Airlines has faced financial challenges, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation industry. However, the airline has continued its operations and has projected improved operational prospects. LATAM has also been recognised for its sustainable practices, ranking as the most sustainable airline in the region and fourth worldwide in the 2021 S&P Corporate Sustainability Assessment.
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LATAM Airlines Chile is one of the founding companies of LATAM Airlines Group
LATAM Airlines Chile, formerly known as LAN Chile and LAN Airlines, is a Chilean multinational airline based in Santiago. It is one of the founding companies of the LATAM Airlines Group, which is the largest airline holding company in Latin America. LATAM Airlines Chile's main hubs are in the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago, Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo, and Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, with secondary hubs in Bogotá, Quito, Guayaquil, and Asunción.
LATAM Airlines Group was formed following the takeover of Brazilian airline TAM Linhas Aéreas by LAN Airlines. The agreement to establish LATAM was approved by Chilean authorities on September 21, 2011, and the merger was completed on June 22, 2012. As a result of the merger, LATAM Airlines Group became one of the largest airline groups in the world in terms of network connections. The group has subsidiaries operating a combined fleet of 315 aircraft providing passenger transport services to 137 destinations in 24 countries, as well as cargo services to 144 destinations in 29 countries.
LATAM Airlines Chile has a long history dating back to its early beginnings as LAN Chile. In 1988, LAN Chile started construction of its maintenance center at Santiago Airport and added a Boeing 747-100 to its fleet for its US flights. The following year, the Chilean government privatized the carrier, selling a majority stake to Icarosan and Scandinavian Airlines. Since 1994, the major shareholders have been the Cueto Family and businessman Sebastián Piñera, who sold his shares when he took office as President of Chile in 2010.
LATAM Airlines Chile has undergone several brand changes over the years. In 1932, it was rebranded as Línea Aérea Nacional de Chile (National Air Line of Chile), using the acronym LAN Chile as its commercial name. In 2016, LAN Chile fully transitioned into LATAM Chile, and the LATAM Pass program was introduced, offering members benefits such as earning miles when flying with LATAM Chile or using affiliated businesses. The airline has continued to innovate and enhance its fleet, adding amenities like flatbed seats and personal TVs in premium cabins.
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LATAM Airlines Group is Latin America's leading airline group
LATAM Airlines Group is currently the largest airline corporation in Latin America. The group operates a modern fleet, including Boeing 767, B767F, B777, B787, Airbus A319, A320, A320neo, and A321 aircraft. LATAM has been recognized for its sustainable practices, receiving accolades such as being named the most sustainable airline in the region and fourth worldwide in the 2021 S&P Corporate Sustainability Assessment. LATAM's main hubs are in the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago, Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo, and Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, with secondary hubs in Bogotá, Quito, Guayaquil, and Asunción. LATAM Airlines Chile, one of the group's founding companies, is the predominant airline in Chile, Ecuador, and Peru, the largest carrier in Brazil, and the second-largest in Colombia through its local subsidiaries.
In addition to its passenger services, LATAM has a significant cargo presence. In 2000, LAN Cargo opened a major operations base at Miami International Airport, where it currently operates one of its largest cargo facilities. The group has also established joint ventures and subsidiaries to expand its reach and capabilities. For example, in 1998, LAN established a joint venture with Lufthansa called LLTT (Lufthansa-LAN Technical Training S.A.), providing aircraft maintenance training in Latin America. Additionally, LAN Argentina, a subsidiary of LAN, operates national and international flights from Buenos Aires and is the third-largest local operator.
LATAM Airlines Group has experienced some challenges in recent years, including a major workers' strike in 2018 that caused economic losses. However, the group has shown resilience and continues to be a leading player in the Latin American aviation industry, serving as a critical hub for millions of passengers each year and facilitating travel within the region and beyond.
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LATAM Airlines operates lounges in several airports
LATAM Airlines, the largest airline corporation in Latin America, operates lounges in several airports. The airline was founded in 1929 as Línea Aeropostal Santiago-Arica and was later renamed to LATAM Chile. Its main hubs are in the following airports:
Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago
This airport is named after the Chilean Air Force Commodore Arturo Merino Benítez, who founded the LATAM Airlines Group. The airport serves as one of the main hubs for LATAM Airlines and is located in Santiago, Chile.
Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo
This airport is located in São Paulo, Brazil, and is one of the main hubs for LATAM Airlines. It is a modern and busy airport that serves as a gateway to Brazil and South America.
Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima
The airport in Lima, Peru, is another important hub for LATAM Airlines. It is a popular airport for travellers visiting Peru and is known for its unique architecture and efficient facilities.
In addition to these main hubs, LATAM Airlines also has secondary hubs in Bogotá, Quito, Guayaquil, and Asunción, further expanding its presence and connectivity in Latin America. The airline's lounge access and hub strategy offer passengers convenience and comfort, reinforcing their position as a leading airline in the region.
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LATAM Airlines offers flights to 148 destinations
LATAM Airlines, the largest airline in Latin America, offers flights to 148 destinations across 26 countries. The airline was founded by Chilean Air Force Commodore Arturo Merino Benítez, and its main hubs are in the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago, Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo, and Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. Secondary hubs include Bogotá, Quito, Guayaquil, and Asunción.
LATAM Airlines operates lounges in several airports and offers a loyalty program called LATAM Pass. Members can earn miles when flying with LATAM Chile or any affiliated airline, as well as when using the services of LATAM Pass-associated businesses worldwide. These miles can be redeemed for tickets, cabin upgrades, and other benefits.
The airline has a diverse fleet, with varying seat pitch, width, and legroom. For long-haul flights, the aircraft options include Boeing 777, Boeing 787-9, Boeing 787-8, and Boeing 767. LATAM's extensive network in South America allows travellers to reach remote destinations with minimal layover times.
Some of the popular routes for LATAM Airlines include flights from New York to San Juan, Miami to Calama (via Santiago), La Paz to Miami (via Lima), and Miami to Baltra (via Quito). The airline also offers flexible booking policies, accommodating changes or cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances, such as COVID-19-related issues.
With its vast network and convenient services, LATAM Airlines provides travellers with a seamless and rewarding flying experience as they explore the diverse destinations across Latin America and beyond.
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Frequently asked questions
LATAM Airlines operates in 26 countries and offers services to 148 destinations. In the US, LATAM Airlines has a hub at Miami International Airport.
LATAM Airlines' main hub is the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago, Chile.
LATAM Airlines' secondary hubs are in Bogotá, Quito, Guayaquil, and Asunción.
LATAM Airlines Group is Latin America's leading airline group and has one of the largest route networks in the world. They are set to become the fifth operator of flights between Bogota and Madrid, Spain.
LATAM Pass has five membership categories. Members can earn miles every time they fly with LATAM Chile, an affiliated airline, or by using any LATAM Pass-associated business worldwide.
