From a merger and a code share agreement to a new website attracting a growing market, Latin America-based LAN Airlines wasn’t stingy with big announcements at the end of 2011 and probably won’t be short of new initiatives in 2012 either.
Here’s a quick look at the latest – and most impactful – announcements from LAN:
Merger Approved
In late December, LAN Airlines S.A. held a shareholders meeting in order to approve the merger between LAN and TAM Airlines. LAN shareholders approved the merger by a broad majority and approved the change of the company’s corporate name from LAN to LATAM Airlines Group S.A.
This approval is an important milestone in the implementation of the merger proposal between LAN and TAM, which is expected to be concluded by the end of the first quarter of 2012.
Wanted: Gay Travelers
To kick off the year, LAN Airlines announced it is rolling out its Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) travel website, which is dedicated to gay and lesbian travelers.
The site, www.LANdiversity.com, acts as a one-stop-shop resource for LGBT travel to South America, showcasing the highlights. The microsite includes information and resources for potential travelers to South America. It includes descriptions of key South American destinations with information of interest to gay and lesbian travelers.
The site also news and events of interest to gay and lesbian travelers to South America, including trips from leading LGBT tour operators.
New Flights to the Galapagos Islands
Toward the end of November, LAN Ecuador reached a new milestone in the history of Ecuador’s aviation by starting new service to the island of San Cristobal in the Galapagos.
The airline will run two weekly flights to this new destination from Quito/Guayaquil. Furthermore, the fact that LAN Ecuador is now reaching San Cristobal is a great contribution to helping island residents become more connected to the rest of Ecuador and the world.
American Airlines, LAN Ecuador Announce Codeshare Agreement
Last week, American Airlines announced it has received approval from United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and Ecuadorean authorities for authorization to begin codeshare cooperation with LAN Ecuador.
The agreement, which will also strengthen the oneworld alliance, will provide customers of both airlines more choices and greater connectivity when traveling between the United States and Ecuador and across each airline’s global network.
LAN Airlines, Amadeus Sign Full Content Distribution Agreement
Also in November, Amadeus and LAN Airlines, signed a multiyear full content agreement. The agreement guarantees Amadeus agents worldwide access to the entire range of fares, schedules and inventory relating to the more than 18 million seats sold annually by the LAN Group Airlines.
The full content agreement includes all LAN Group Airlines (LAN Airlines, LAN Ecuador, LAN Perú, LAN Argentina, Aires and LAN Express) and ensures access to the same content through Amadeus as through any sales channel, including the airline’s own website.
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