LAN Colombia expands oneworld market share in Latin America but TAM is the much bigger prize

Oneworld has increased its presence in Colombia, Latin America's third largest market, with LAN Colombia formally joining as an affiliate member on 1-Oct-2013. LAN Colombia is the second largest domestic carrier in Colombia after Star Alliance member Avianca and has a small but growing international operation.

Colombia is an important growth market but the impact of adding a Brazilian member is much more significant. Oneworld has set a 31-Mar-2014 ascension date for Brazil's largest carrier TAM, which is now part of the LATAM Airlines Group along with LAN Colombia and four other LAN-branded carriers that are already oneworld members.

With LAN Colombia and subsequently TAM, oneworld will become the largest alliance in Latin America with a projected 27% share of seat capacity. Star will still have a respectable 16% share, which could grow to about 18% based on probable new members, and will remain the dominant alliance in Colombia.