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LATAM Airlines Colombia
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LATAM Airlines Colombia (formerly known as LAN Colombia), is a Colombian airline. It is the second-largest air carrier in Colombia, after Avianca. It operates scheduled regional domestic passenger services, as well as a domestic cargo service. Its main hub is El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá.[2]
Key Information
History
[edit]
The airline was founded on 2 October 1980 as AIRES, starting operations on 23 February 1981, with a few small planes, until they acquired some Embraer 110 Bandeirante and Fairchild F27. In 1990, the airline registered a 9% decrease in passenger transport.
With the rise of competition with AeroRepública in November 1992, AIRES made small expansions, mostly adding service to the neighboring countries of Venezuela and Ecuador.
In November 1998, the airline began its coverage in the Caribbean Region, opening a base of operations in Barranquilla, from where flights began to: Cartagena, Santa Marta, Valledupar, Corozal among other cities in the north of the country.
On 13 December 2000, the airline began its internationalization with the opening of the Barranquilla-Oranjestad, Aruba route, flying twice a week, later it began operations to Willemstad, Curaçao.
In 2004, the company made a corporate image change, as well as a change in the stationery, said the investment had a cost of close to 1,000 million pesos.
In 2009, with the beginning of the trunk routes, a new era began and thus rubbed shoulders with Avianca and AeroRepública, and this was done by incorporating Jet aircraft and breaking the tariff scheme by becoming a low-cost airline.
On 28 October 2010, it was announced that 98% of the shares in the previous airline AIRES had been acquired by Chilean carrier LAN Airlines. On 26 November 2010, LAN Airlines announced that it completed the purchase of 98.9% of AIRES' shares, assuming its total debt and including it in the LAN holding company as a subsidiary of the group. On 3 December 2011, AIRES was renamed and started operations as LAN Colombia, becoming a member of the aeronautical holding LATAM Airlines Group.
It became an affiliate member of the Oneworld alliance on 1 October 2013 but left on 1 May 2020.[3][4]
Destinations
[edit]LATAM Colombia serves the following destinations:
Fleet
[edit]Current fleet
[edit]

As of August 2025[update], LATAM Colombia operates the following aircraft:[12]
| Aircraft | In service |
Orders | Passengers | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | Y | Total | ||||
| Airbus A320-200 | 29 | — | – | 174 | 174 | |
| Total | 29 | — | ||||
Former fleet
[edit]The airline previously operated the following aircraft:[citation needed]
| Aircraft | Total | Introduced | Retired | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A319-100 | 6[13] | |||
| Boeing 737-700 | 10 | 2009 | 2014 | One written off as Flight 8250 |
| Boeing 767-300ER | 3 | 2012 | 2016 | Operated by LAN Airlines[14] |
| De Havilland Canada DHC-6-300 Twin Otter | 1 | 1987 | 1988 | |
| De Havilland Canada Dash 8-100 | 4 | 1994 | 2009 | |
| De Havilland Canada Dash 8-200 | 12 | 2003 | 2015 | |
| De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 | 4 | 1994 | 2011 | |
| De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 | 4 | 2010 | 2014 | Purchased from Jeju Air[15] |
| Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante | 6 | 1981 | 2001 | |
| Fairchild F-27 | 4 | 1987 | 1997 |
Accidents and incidents
[edit]- On 14 August 1995, AIRES Flight 413, an Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante (registered HK-2594), crashed into a mountain of the Nevado del Huila, Colombia. All 6 passengers and 2 pilots were killed.[16]
- On 20 February 2002, a Bombardier Dash 8-300 (registered HK-3951X), en route from Neiva to Bogotá, was hijacked by 4 brigands, forcing them to land in a town and kidnapped a senator who was on board.[17]
- On 28 January 2008, AIRES Flight 053, Bombardier Dash 8-200 (registered HK-3997), overran the runway at El Dorado International Airport, en route from Maracaibo, Venezuela after the left gear collapsed. The probable cause of the crash was that the aircraft was carrying out a landing with an unresolved fault in the left engine, which prevented the aircraft from being able to stop within the length of runway available, causing a runway excursion. A contributing factor was the failure to correct the maintenance reports in a satisfactory manner and the failure to properly follow up on repetitive entries. None of the 41 occupants were injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged and written off.[18]
- On 23 August 2008, AIRES Flight 051, a Bombardier Dash 8-300 (registered HK-3952), sustained substantial damage after the right-hand main landing gear collapsed on landing at Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport. The crew noticed a vibration of the right gear. None of the 31 occupants were injured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair and was written off.[19]
- On 16 August 2010, AIRES Flight 8250 crashed on landing at Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport, in San Andrés, Colombia, after reportedly being struck by lightning during a thunderstorm. The death of one person was reported as a result of a heart attack on the way to the hospital and another 129 were injured.[20] One of the injured occupants later died.[21] The cause was later determined to be a pilot error.
- On 29 March 2022, LATAM Colombia Flight 4292, an Airbus A320-200 (registered CC-BAS) bound for Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena, had to return and make an emergency landing at José María Córdova International Airport in Medellín after its nosewheel was discovered to be rotated ninety degrees. All the passengers and crew were unharmed.[22]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Aires History" (in Spanish). Aires.aero. Archived from the original on 7 April 2012.
- ^ "Directory: World Airlines". Flight International. 27 March 2007. pp. 69–70.
- ^ "LAN Colombia to join oneworld Oct. 1". Air Transport World. 4 September 2013. Retrieved 4 September 2013.
- ^ "Details | oneworld". www.oneworld.com. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
- ^ "LATAM Colombia to resume Bogota-Ibague in 4Q24". AeroRoutes. 21 December 2023. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
- ^ "LATAM Airlines inicia venta de su nueva ruta entre Bogotá y Neiva". TORRE EL DORADO. 8 November 2021. Archived from the original on 9 November 2021. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "LATAM Colombia volará entre Riohacha y Bogotá". Aviacionline.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 11 March 2023.
- ^ "Latam suspenderá sus vuelos a Valledupar desde enero de 2023: golpe al turismo". Elcarrocolombiano.com (in Spanish). 13 December 2022. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
- ^ "LATAM Colombia Resumes Miami Service From Nov 2022". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
- ^ "LATAM inaugurated its flights between Bogota and Orlando". Aviacionline.com. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ "Latam oficializó su primer vuelo en la nueva ruta: Bogotá-Caracas". Larazon.co (in Spanish). December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ^ "Global Airline Guide 2025 - LATAM Colombia". Airliner World: 57. September 2025.
- ^ "Global Airline Guide 2019 (Part One)". Airliner World (October 2019): 12.
- ^ "First B767-300ER transferred to LAN Colombia". Ch-aviation.com. Retrieved 28 November 2012.
- ^ "Global Airline Guide 2016 (Part One)". Airliner World (October 2016): 12.
- ^ "Accident description". Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
- ^ "Hijacking description". Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
- ^ "Accident description". Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved 5 September 2008.
- ^ "Accident description". Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved 5 September 2008.
- ^ "Colombia plane crashes after lightning strike". BBC News. 16 August 2010. Retrieved 16 August 2010.
- ^ "Comunicado de Prensa 06 Archived 9 September 2010 at the Wayback Machine." AIRES. Retrieved on 15 September 2010.
- ^ Simon Hradecky. "Incident: LATAM Colombia A320 at Medellin on Mar 29th 2022, nose gear rotated by 90 degrees on landing". Avherald.com. Retrieved 30 March 2022.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- Conexión (inflight magazine) (in Spanish)
- LAN Airlines buys Aires (in Spanish) Archived 20 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
LATAM Airlines Colombia
View on GrokipediaLATAM Airlines Colombia (IATA: 4C, ICAO: ARE) is a Colombian airline based in Bogotá, functioning as the primary domestic subsidiary of the LATAM Airlines Group, Latin America's largest airline conglomerate.[1] Originating as AIRES, founded on October 2, 1980, the carrier was acquired by Chilean-based LAN Airlines in 2010, leading to its rebranding as LAN Colombia in December 2011; it adopted the unified LATAM branding in May 2016 following the 2012 merger of LAN and Brazil's TAM Airlines that formed the parent group.[1] The airline primarily operates an all-Airbus fleet consisting of A319, A320, and A320neo aircraft, serving over a dozen domestic destinations across Colombia, including key cities like Medellín, Cali, Cartagena, and Barranquilla, alongside limited international routes to destinations such as Lima, Miami, and Cancún.[2] As a member of the oneworld alliance through its parent company, LATAM Airlines Colombia benefits from codeshare agreements and global connectivity, facilitating passenger access to extensive international networks.[3] The airline has navigated significant challenges, including operational disruptions from a nationwide fuel supply crisis in August 2024 that temporarily halted flights, underscoring vulnerabilities in Colombia's aviation infrastructure reliant on local refining capacity.[4] During the COVID-19 pandemic, the broader LATAM Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2020, resulting in workforce reductions and route adjustments that impacted Colombian operations, though the group emerged restructured by 2022 with renewed focus on domestic market share.[5] Despite these hurdles, LATAM Airlines Colombia has expanded its route offerings, such as new services from Medellín to Pereira and Leticia in recent years, reinforcing its position as a leading domestic operator amid increasing competition.[6]
History
Founding as LAN Colombia
LAN Airlines, the Chilean flag carrier, pursued expansion in the Colombian market through the acquisition of Aerovías de Integración Regional, S.A. (Aires), Colombia's second-largest airline by passenger volume at the time. On October 27, 2010, LAN announced a definitive agreement to purchase 98.942% of Aires' outstanding shares for approximately $32.5 million, including cash payments and assumption of net liabilities estimated at $100 million.[7][8] The transaction was completed on November 26, 2010, with LAN paying $12 million in cash for a 98.9% indirect stake, marking a strategic entry into Colombia's domestic and regional aviation sector.[9] Following the acquisition, LAN integrated Aires' operations while aligning them with its brand standards. On December 3, 2011, the airline commenced operations under the new name LAN Colombia, adopting the unified LAN livery and operational protocols.[10] This rebranding transformed Aires, originally founded in 1980 as a regional carrier serving domestic routes with small aircraft, into LAN's Colombian subsidiary, enabling expanded connectivity within Colombia and to international destinations served by the LAN group.[1] LAN Colombia initially operated from Bogotá's El Dorado International Airport as its primary hub, leveraging Aires' existing network of over 20 domestic destinations and select regional flights.[11] The establishment of LAN Colombia facilitated LAN Airlines' growth in South America's second-largest economy by market size, positioning it as the second-largest operator in Colombia shortly after launch. This move was part of LAN's broader regional expansion strategy, which included similar subsidiaries in Argentina and Peru, aimed at consolidating market share amid increasing competition from low-cost carriers.[11] By inheriting Aires' fleet of approximately 20 aircraft, including Embraer regional jets and Boeing 737s, LAN Colombia rapidly scaled operations, focusing on high-frequency domestic services and codeshare integrations with parent company routes.[12]Integration and Rebranding to LATAM
Following the merger of LAN Airlines and TAM Linhas Aéreas, completed on June 22, 2012, LAN Colombia was incorporated as a key subsidiary within the newly established LATAM Airlines Group S.A., which unified operations across Latin America under a single holding structure.[13] This integration enabled shared resources, network expansion, and coordinated strategies, including the alignment of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities by 2014.[14] As part of the group's oneworld alliance membership, LAN Colombia joined as an affiliate on October 1, 2013, facilitating codeshare agreements and enhanced connectivity.[15] On August 6, 2015, LATAM Airlines Group announced a comprehensive rebranding initiative to consolidate all passenger and cargo affiliates under the unified "LATAM" brand, replacing the disparate LAN and TAM identities.[16] The process, informed by market studies across 10 countries, introduced a new indigo and coral livery, updated uniforms, and standardized airport experiences, with initial implementations targeted for the first half of 2016.[16] For the Colombian operation, this culminated in the transition from LAN Colombia to LATAM Airlines Colombia by mid-2016, marking the full adoption of the group's visual and operational identity.[1] The rebranding extended to fleet repainting and digital platforms, aiming to streamline passenger recognition and operational efficiency across the network, which by then included over 140 destinations.[17] This shift completed the post-merger unification, positioning LATAM Airlines Colombia as an integral component of Latin America's largest airline group by capacity.[18]Pre-Pandemic Expansion
Following the rebranding to LATAM Airlines Colombia in 2016, the airline pursued aggressive network growth, focusing on both domestic connectivity and select international extensions within Latin America and the Caribbean. In December 2015, as LAN Colombia (prior to full rebranding), it launched service from Bogotá to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, operating four weekly flights using Airbus A320 aircraft, marking an early push into leisure-oriented international markets. This route complemented existing regional links, such as increased frequencies on the Bogotá-Lima corridor from two to three daily flights around the same period, enhancing intra-Latin American traffic.[19][20] Domestically, LATAM Colombia emphasized fleet modernization and capacity buildup to capture a larger share of Colombia's intra-country market, which was underserved relative to international segments. Starting in 2012, the carrier systematically replaced its older Boeing 737-700 aircraft with more efficient Airbus A320 family jets, completing a transition that improved operational reliability and fuel efficiency across short-haul routes. By 2019, this contributed to a broader expansion strategy, with announcements in March of that year detailing plans for increased domestic frequencies and connectivity in the second half, aimed at boosting passenger volumes amid rising economic activity in Colombia.[21][22][23] These initiatives reflected LATAM Colombia's integration within the broader LATAM Group, leveraging group synergies for codeshare opportunities and oneworld alliance benefits to drive load factors above 85% on key segments by late 2019. The expansion positioned the airline as Colombia's second-largest carrier, with a focus on high-demand routes from Bogotá's El Dorado hub, though it faced competitive pressures from Avianca in the domestic space.[24]COVID-19 Impact and Restructuring
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted LATAM Airlines Colombia to drastically curtail operations in early 2020, aligning with group-wide measures to address border closures, quarantines, and a sharp decline in passenger demand. By mid-March 2020, the airline suspended 70% of its flights overall, encompassing 90% of international services and 40% of domestic routes.[25] In April 2020, all international flights were halted until at least April 30, 2020, reflecting the near-total grounding of non-essential air travel across Latin America.[26] These disruptions exacerbated financial pressures on the LATAM Group, including its Colombian subsidiary, leading to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in the United States on May 26, 2020, for affiliates in Colombia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and the US. The process sought to renegotiate approximately US$18.2 billion in liabilities amid a collapse in revenues, enabling operational resizing to match reduced demand while continuing limited flights under court oversight.[27] Concurrently, the group recorded a net loss of US$4.5 billion for fiscal year 2020, with operational revenues declining 58.4% year-over-year, driven primarily by the passenger segment's contraction despite relative resilience in cargo.[28] To stem losses, LATAM implemented workforce reductions, announcing the termination of 1,400 jobs in May 2020 across Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, as part of broader efforts to lower fixed costs amid 95% capacity cuts.[29] Operations persisted at minimal levels during restructuring, supported by debtor-in-possession financing exceeding US$5 billion, which facilitated gradual network recovery. LATAM Airlines Colombia resumed domestic services incrementally from September 2020, initially offering limited daily flights to key destinations such as Medellín and Cali.[30] The restructuring culminated on November 3, 2022, when the LATAM Group, including LATAM Airlines Colombia, emerged from Chapter 11 with debt reduced by about 35% to roughly US$11.5 billion and liquidity bolstered to US$2.2 billion, enhancing financial flexibility for post-pandemic expansion without diluting existing shareholders' equity.[31][32] This positioned the Colombian operations for sustained viability, though recovery remained contingent on regional economic rebound and sustained demand normalization.Recent Developments and Recovery
Following the LATAM Group's emergence from Chapter 11 restructuring in June 2022, LATAM Airlines Colombia benefited from the parent's operational streamlining and debt reduction, which enabled a phased recovery in capacity and demand across subsidiaries. By 2024, the group reported record passenger traffic of 82 million, an 11% increase from 2023, with consolidated available seat-kilometers rising 15.1% year-over-year, reflecting sustained post-pandemic demand rebound in Latin America.[33][34] In Colombia, this translated to stabilized domestic operations amid improved competitive conditions after the liquidation of low-cost rivals Viva Air and Ultra Air, which reduced overcapacity pressures noted by LATAM in August 2024.[35][36] In early 2025, LATAM Airlines Colombia advanced sustainability initiatives through a strategic alliance with Ecopetrol, announced in April, to co-process sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blended with conventional Jet A1 for over 700 flights originating in Colombia. This partnership exchanges expertise on fuel production and aircraft integration to reduce carbon emissions, aligning with broader group goals amid regulatory pressures for greener aviation.[37][38] A complementary five-year agreement with Fedepalma in July 2025 aims to develop SAF from palm oil feedstocks, positioning Colombia as a potential regional SAF production hub.[39] Network expansion efforts included plans for new Caribbean routes from Bogotá to Aruba and Curaçao launching in December 2025, capitalizing on international growth opportunities in a market with abundant slots and tourism recovery.[36] Operational challenges persisted, such as an aviation fuel shortage in Leticia in August 2024 that disrupted remote services, underscoring vulnerabilities in supply chains for isolated routes.[40] Overall, these developments reflect LATAM Airlines Colombia's alignment with group-wide financial strength, including a 2024 net income of US$977 million and Q2 2025 adjusted operating margin of 19.9%, supporting fleet renewal and efficiency gains despite macroeconomic ambiguities.[33][41]Corporate Structure and Ownership
Ownership Within LATAM Group
LATAM Airlines Colombia, legally operating as Aerovías de Integración Regional S.A., functions as a key subsidiary within LATAM Airlines Group S.A., the Chilean-based holding company that oversees the group's operations across Latin America. This structure enables centralized strategic oversight while allowing localized regulatory compliance in Colombia. As of December 31, 2024, LATAM Airlines Group S.A. maintains 99.23% direct or indirect ownership in Aerovías de Integración Regional S.A., reflecting near-total control despite a minor non-controlling interest.[42] The subsidiary is fully controlled through intermediate entities, including Holdco Colombia I SpA, which facilitates capital injections and operational alignment with group objectives; for instance, capital increases of ThUS$45,271 on May 14, 2024, and ThUS$18,544 on December 17, 2024, supported ongoing activities without altering the core ownership framework.[42] This setup ensures LATAM Airlines Colombia's financial results are consolidated into the parent company's statements, underscoring its integral role in the group's domestic Colombian passenger services.[42] Historically, the entity traces its roots to LAN Airlines' 2010 acquisition of Colombian carrier Aires, which evolved into LAN Colombia before rebranding under the LATAM umbrella post the 2012 LAN-TAM merger; subsequent integrations have solidified 99%+ group ownership, with no material divestitures reported in recent filings.[42] The remaining stake represents negligible minority holdings, insufficient to influence board or operational decisions, as evidenced by consistent group-directed governance.[42]Management and Governance
LATAM Airlines Colombia functions as a wholly owned subsidiary of LATAM Airlines Group S.A., with its operational management aligned under the parent company's centralized executive framework while maintaining local leadership for market-specific decisions.[43] The subsidiary's governance emphasizes compliance with both Chilean corporate standards of the parent entity and Colombian regulatory requirements, including oversight by the Aeronautica Civil for aviation operations.[35] The position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) leads the subsidiary's management team, reporting to LATAM Group's CEO, Roberto Alvo, who has held the role since March 31, 2020.[43] On October 31, 2024, Erika Zarante Bahamón was appointed as CEO of LATAM Airlines Colombia, replacing Santiago Álvarez Matamoros, who transitioned to Chief Commercial Officer at LATAM Cargo.[44] Zarante's leadership focuses on commercial strategy, fleet optimization, and integration within the group's network, building on prior roles in regional operations.[45] At the group level, which governs the subsidiary, the board of directors comprises nine members, chaired by Ignacio Cueto Plaza, with a directors' committee handling audit, compliance, and risk oversight to ensure financial transparency and operational integrity.[46] [47] Independent directors, such as Frederico Curado, contribute to strategic decisions affecting subsidiaries like LATAM Airlines Colombia, including post-bankruptcy restructuring approved in 2022.[48] This structure incorporates risk management models reviewed via internal and external audits, prioritizing sustainability and shareholder interests amid regional economic volatility.[49]Regulatory Environment in Colombia
The aviation regulatory environment in Colombia is governed by the Unidad Administrativa Especial de Aeronáutica Civil (Aerocivil), the state entity responsible for overseeing, regulating, and promoting civil aviation, including the issuance of licenses, safety enforcement, and airspace management.[50] Aerocivil implements the Reglamentos Aeronáuticos de Colombia (RAC), a comprehensive set of rules applicable to all civil aviation activities, covering personnel certification, aircraft registration, operational standards, and economic regulations.[51] These regulations align with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards to ensure safety and efficiency, with Aerocivil conducting audits and inspections to verify compliance.[52] To operate commercial flights, airlines such as LATAM Airlines Colombia must hold a Colombian operating license under RAC 3, which restricts issuance to Colombian nationals or entities incorporated under Colombian law, though foreign ownership of such entities faces no explicit limits.[52] This structure enables foreign-controlled subsidiaries like LATAM Airlines Colombia—incorporated locally in 2016—to conduct domestic cabotage while adhering to national oversight. An Air Operator Certificate (AOC) is required, demonstrating adequate organization, training programs, maintenance systems, and operational manuals compliant with RAC Part 121 for large aircraft commercial operations.[53] Aerocivil grants route-specific approvals, often evaluating public interest, competition, and capacity, as evidenced by LATAM's 2023 requests for new domestic and international services.[54] Airport slot allocation at capacity-constrained facilities like Bogotá's El Dorado International Airport is coordinated by Aerocivil, prioritizing historical users and new entrants through guidelines that have sparked disputes, such as LATAM's 2023 challenges following Viva Air's suspension amid the regulator's capacity reviews.[55] Economic aspects include fare oversight for essential routes and approval of alliances; for instance, Aerocivil unconditionally approved the LATAM-Delta joint venture in 2023 without conditions, facilitating enhanced connectivity.[56] Safety enforcement involves mandatory reporting of incidents and adherence to ongoing audits, with recent emphases on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development via Aerocivil's 2023 roadmap targeting 100 million US gallons by 2035.[37]Operations
Hubs and Operational Bases
LATAM Airlines Colombia designates El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogotá as its primary hub, from which it coordinates the majority of its domestic passenger flights and serves as a key connection point for the broader LATAM Group's international network.[10][57] This airport handles LATAM Colombia's high-frequency routes to secondary Colombian cities such as Medellín, Cali, and Cartagena, facilitating over 20 domestic destinations as of 2025.[58] El Dorado's infrastructure supports both passenger and limited cargo operations, with LATAM Colombia leveraging its single-terminal setup for seamless domestic-to-international transfers within the LATAM alliance.[59] The airline maintains an additional operational base at José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) in Medellín, where it stations aircraft, crew, and conducts maintenance to support regional routes originating from this focus city.[10] This base enables efficient coverage of Antioquia region's demand, including flights to Bogotá and coastal destinations, complementing the Bogotá hub without functioning as a full secondary hub.[60] No other airports are designated as formal operational bases; instead, cities like Cali (CLO) and Barranquilla (BAQ) operate as spokes with scheduled but non-based services.[58]Alliances, Codeshares, and Partnerships
LATAM Airlines Colombia operates without membership in any global airline alliance, following the LATAM Airlines Group's departure from oneworld on May 1, 2020, a decision tied to the group's financial restructuring amid the COVID-19 pandemic.[61][62] This exit ended prior reciprocal benefits such as lounge access and mileage accrual with oneworld carriers for passengers on LATAM Colombia flights.[63] The airline leverages the LATAM Group's codeshare agreements, most prominently with Delta Air Lines under a trans-American joint venture established in September 2019 and formalized in May 2020.[64] This partnership enables Delta's "DL" code on select LATAM Colombia-operated domestic routes, including flights from Bogotá and Cartagena to up to 13 onward destinations within Colombia, with implementation beginning in the first quarter of 2020.[65] By October 2025, the Delta-LATAM collaboration had facilitated over 62,000 flights and transported more than 14.5 million passengers across the Americas, including expanded codeshare connectivity for Colombian routes.[66] Additional codeshare arrangements benefit LATAM Colombia passengers through the parent group's pacts with airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, initiated in January 2022 for seamless connections to South American hubs, and Aerolíneas Argentinas, expanded in December 2024 to enhance frequent flyer rewards and itinerary options.[67][68] For loyalty program integration, flights on LATAM Colombia earn LATAM Pass miles and qualifying points via partnerships with Delta, Alaska Airlines, and Aeroméxico, supporting broader redemption flexibility despite the absence of alliance-wide perks.[69] These arrangements prioritize operational efficiency and network expansion over formal alliance structures, aligning with LATAM's post-restructuring focus on bilateral deals.[70]Cargo and Ancillary Services
LATAM Airlines Colombia integrates its cargo operations with the broader LATAM Cargo network, primarily utilizing belly cargo capacity in the lower holds of its passenger aircraft for freight transport across domestic and international routes.[71] This includes shipments of perishables such as flowers from Colombia, leveraging the airline's hubs in Bogotá and other cities for efficient distribution to markets in the United States and Europe.[72] LATAM Cargo Colombia, the dedicated cargo subsidiary based at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, manages these operations, offering services like temperature-controlled transport and expedited handling for time-sensitive goods.[73] By June 2023, LATAM Cargo had expanded its weekly flights from Bogotá and Medellín to 35, tripling capacity since 2019 to meet growing demand for exports.[72] The subsidiary supports international connectivity, with recent enhancements including doubled frequencies between Colombia and the United States, utilizing both belly space and dedicated freighter capacity within the group.[74] Cargo products emphasize reliability for pharmaceuticals and e-commerce, with infrastructure for consolidation, tracking, and customs clearance integrated into LATAM's South American network.[75] Ancillary services for LATAM Airlines Colombia passengers include fees for excess or checked baggage, with allowances varying by route and fare class; for instance, domestic flights permit one checked bag up to 23 kg, while extras incur charges payable online or at airports.[76] Additional revenue streams encompass seat selection upgrades, pet transport in cabin or hold, and special meals, available through the LATAM Trade platform for bookings.[77] These services, standardized across the LATAM Group, also feature priority boarding and in-flight purchases, contributing to diversified income beyond ticket sales.[78] In 2024, group-wide ancillary offerings expanded to include digital products like branded eSIMs for international travelers, enhancing connectivity during layovers.[79]Network and Destinations
Domestic Routes
LATAM Airlines Colombia operates an extensive domestic network centered on its primary hub at El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogotá, providing nonstop connectivity to 17 destinations across the country.[80] This network links the capital to key economic and tourist centers, including high-frequency services to Medellín's José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) and Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport in Cali (CLO).[80] The airline emphasizes high flight frequencies on these core routes to support business and leisure travel demand.[58] The domestic routes span diverse regions, from Andean cities like Bucaramanga (BGA) and Pereira (PEI) to Caribbean coastal hubs such as Cartagena (CTG), Barranquilla (BAQ), and Santa Marta (SMR), as well as remote outposts including Leticia (LET) in the Amazon basin.[80] Additional destinations encompass Montería (MTR), Cúcuta (CUC), Neiva (NVA), Pasto (PSO), San Andrés Island (ADZ), Yopal (EYP), Armenia (AXM), Ibagué (IBE), and Riohacha (RCH).[80] These services facilitate regional integration, with operations typically utilizing narrow-body Airbus A320 family aircraft suited for medium-haul domestic legs.[80]| Destination | Airport Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Armenia | AXM | Andean coffee region |
| Barranquilla | BAQ | Caribbean coast |
| Bucaramanga | BGA | Santander department |
| Cali | CLO | Valle del Cauca hub |
| Cartagena | CTG | Major tourist gateway |
| Cúcuta | CUC | Norte de Santander |
| Ibagué | IBE | Tolima department |
| Leticia | LET | Amazon frontier |
| Medellín | MDE | Antioquia economic center |
| Montería | MTR | Córdoba department |
| Neiva | NVA | Huila department |
| Pasto | PSO | Nariño department |
| Pereira | PEI | Risaralda coffee axis |
| Riohacha | RCH | La Guajira peninsula |
| San Andrés | ADZ | Island territory |
| Santa Marta | SMR | Caribbean heritage site |
| Yopal | EYP | Casanare plains |
International Connectivity
LATAM Airlines Colombia maintains limited direct international operations, concentrating instead on domestic feeder services that integrate with the broader LATAM Airlines Group network for global reach. From its primary hub at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, the airline operates nonstop flights to Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport in Peru, with multiple weekly frequencies using Airbus A320 family aircraft to support onward connections across South America and beyond.[81] These services, typically 3–5 flights per week as of October 2025, position Lima as a key regional gateway, enabling transfers to destinations in Chile, Brazil, Argentina, and further afield via the group's hubs.[82] In North America, direct connectivity is facilitated through group-operated routes from Bogotá and secondary hubs like Medellín's José María Córdova International Airport to Miami International Airport in the United States, with daily or near-daily service on Boeing 787 or Airbus A350 aircraft.[83] Launched or expanded under the Delta-LATAM joint venture since 2022, this route has carried significant passenger volumes, contributing to over 14.5 million travelers across the partnership's network by 2025.[66] Seasonal or occasional services to Cancún International Airport in Mexico have also been noted, primarily supporting leisure travel from Colombian cities like Bogotá and Cartagena, though frequencies remain low and subject to demand fluctuations.[2] Beyond direct flights, international connectivity relies on codeshare agreements and the oneworld alliance, allowing seamless transfers from LATAM Airlines Colombia's domestic network to partner carriers for destinations in Europe (e.g., Madrid, Paris), Asia (e.g., Tokyo via codeshare), and additional U.S. cities like Atlanta and Orlando.[84] The Delta partnership, effective since 2022, adds reciprocal codeshares and priority boarding, enhancing access to over 300 U.S. destinations while prioritizing high-demand routes like Medellín–Miami, introduced in 2025 to capture growing bilateral traffic.[66] This structure underscores the subsidiary's role as a regional integrator rather than a long-haul operator, with Bogotá serving as the nexus for 145+ international endpoints across 27 countries via the parent group.[81]Fleet
Current Fleet Composition
As of the latest available data in 2025, LATAM Airlines Colombia maintains a fleet focused on narrow-body Airbus aircraft for its domestic and short-haul international operations within Colombia and neighboring countries. The active passenger fleet comprises Airbus A319-100 and A320-200 models, configured for economy and premium economy seating to support high-frequency routes from hubs like Bogotá and Medellín.[85] The composition includes:| Aircraft Type | In Service | Parked/Stored | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A319-100 | 4 | 1 | Single-aisle, short-haul; average age approximately 15-20 years based on model standards.[85] |
| Airbus A320-200 | 8 | 6 | Primary workhorse for medium-density routes; supports up to 180 passengers.[85] |
