LATAM Airlines Group launches new livery

LATAM Airlines Group launched (28-Apr-2016) its new livery on 28-Apr-2016. The first aircraft to display the new livery will take to the skies in the next days, the model chosen being a Boeing 767-300ER, which underwent paint job in Mexico. The maiden service will occur on 01-May-2016, on Rio de Janeiro-Geneva service to collect the Olympic torch. LATAM Airlines Group CEO Enrique Cuento stated: "In the coming weeks, our passengers will start to experience LATAM with the ability to book tickets via the LATAM website, accumulate kilometers using LATAM's frequent flyer program, check-in at LATAM counters, relax in LATAM VIP lounges and most significantly, fly on LATAM-branded aircraft". In May-2016, the website will be launched. TAM Airlines CEO Claudia Sender stated "When a passenger sees both brands, they can't understand that there's a large group, with a great network" adding: "Today, for instance, we can say that LATAM flies to Australia". The carrier is expecting to conclude 50 aircraft paint jobs in 2016, with complete fleet painting finalised by 2018. Effective 05-May-2016, LATAM brand will be used in 13 airports where the group operates, including but not limiting to Santiago, both Sao Paulo airports, Rio de Janeiro Galeao, Lima, Buenos Aires Ezeiza, and New York JFK. Costs with the consolidation of both TAM Airlines and LAN Airlines will reduce from around USD40 million to around USD30 million. [more - original PR]