In one of the most important steps in the consolidation of LAN Airlines, TAM Airlines and their affiliates under the new global LATAM brand, LATAM Airlines Group has revealed its new aircraft design.

In addition to the new image of LATAM aircraft, the company presented a number of other changes that will be visible from May onwards, including new uniforms, airport signage and counter design as well as a consolidated website.

“In the coming days, aircraft with the new LATAM image will take to the skies, representing an historic milestone for the leading airline group in Latin America,” said Enrique Cueto, chief executive, LATAM Airlines Group.

“It will be a gradual change with the principal objective of simplifying and improving the travel experience of our passengers.

The first flight of a LATAM-branded aircraft, a Boeing 767, will depart from Rio de Janeiro in May on a one-off journey to Geneva to collect the Olympic torch. 

The specially prepared aircraft will then return on May 3rd to Brasilia, the starting place of the Rio 2016 Olympic Torch Relay between more than 300 Brazilian cities.

“In the coming weeks, our passengers will start to experience LATAM with the ability to book tickets via the LATAM website, accumulate kilometres using LATAM’s frequent flyer program, check-in at LATAM counters, relax in LATAM VIP lounges and most significantly, fly on LATAM-branded aircraft. 

“We will continue to optimize the most extensive route network in Latin America, the most modern fleet in the region and invest in digital solutions to offer our passengers a more personalized travel experience,” added Cueto.

On May 5th, the first three commercial flights of aircraft with the new LATAM image will operate the following routes: São Paulo-Santiago (a Boeing 767 service departing São Paulo at 09:05 local time); Santiago-Lima (an Airbus A319 service departing Santiago at 09:10 local time); and São Paulo-Brasilia (an Airbus A319 service departing São Paulo at 14:20 local time). 

More than 50 aircraft are anticipated to be rebranded before the end of 2016 and the fleet-wide process is expected to be finalised in 2018.

Repainting takes on average six to 12 days per plane and will be scheduled in accordance with routine maintenance to maximize efficiency.

The group has also unveiled the new uniforms to be worn by over 23,000 cabin crew, sales office and airport staff throughout LATAM Airline Group’s network, with the global roll-out to begin before the end of 2016. 

The LATAM uniforms – which showcase the signature indigo and coral of the LATAM logo – were created by the celebrated Brazilian fashion designer Pedro Lourenço with collaboration from a focus group of over 80 employees from different areas of the company.

LATAM Airlines Group signalled further developments to its in-flight experience including a new on-board magazine and media platform Vamos/LATAM, which will offer content across a range of channels in Spanish, Portuguese and English.