LAN will seek another partner if TAM deal fails

LAN announced it will seek another partner or explore other options to expand internationally if a Chilean antitrust tribunal rules against its planned merger with Brazil's TAM (Reuters, 28-May-2011). The proposed merger would create Latin America's largest carrier and is currently under review from Chile's antitrust regulator. If the antitrust body rules against the merger, LAN will look for a "second best" partner. "We could start conversations with Gol, although that company may not be available and its international reach is not comparable to TAM's," stated LAN COO, Ignacio Cueto.