Spotlight
LATAM’s A350 XWB enters optimized network, offers new operational efficiencies
LATAM Airlines Group, the result of the 2012 merger between LAN and TAM, took delivery of its first A350 XWB, becoming the first Americas’ operator of the A350-900. After an initial period of flying domestic routes such as São Paulo - Manaus, the A350 XWB will be deployed on LATAM Airlines Group’s intercontinental routes to Europe and North America.
São Paulo is the main entry point for passengers in South America. With a population of over 20 million, it is one of the world's aviation megacities offering over 15,000 daily intercontinental seats. LATAM Airlines Group has established an efficient two wave “hub and spoke” system in the Brazilian city that serves nine intercontinental destinations with daily flights. Passengers from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay are able to connect seamlessly to Europe and North America. Return flights include subsequent connections made in the morning after other intercontinental night flights.
Premium passengers prefer to fly overnight and are ready to pay a premium for it. LATAM Airlines Group has scheduled its intercontinental flights accordingly and will offer to these very valuable passengers the unbeatable comfort provided by the A350 XWB.
However, economy class passengers have not been forgotten. The A350 XWB features 18” economy class seat width, same as onboard the A320 Family, ensuring a consistent level of comfort throughout the entire journey.
With a forecasted 4.5 percent traffic growth between South America and North America in the next 20 years, LATAM Airlines Group’s A350 XWB will definitely become one of the most popular aircraft operated at the São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport.
For more information:
Yves Renard, Fleet and Network Planning Director
yves.renard@airbus.com
