TAM Airlines has confirmed it will join oneworld March 31st next year, adding the leading carrier in Brazil to the world’s leading quality global airline alliance.

Confirmation of its oneworld joining date comes on the same day that LAN Colombia – which is, like TAM, a company related to LATAM Airlines Group - becomes part of oneworld, offering the alliance’s full range of services and benefits.

The addition of TAM from March 31st 2014 and LAN Colombia today will mean all passenger airlines in LATAM Airlines Group, Latin America’s leading airline group, will be part of oneworld, the world’s leading quality airline alliance. 

LAN Airlines has been a full member of oneworld since 2000. 

All its other passenger airline affiliates have subsequently joined the alliance as affiliate members – LAN Argentina, LAN Ecuador, LAN Peru and, from today, LAN Colombia - and now TAM from March 31st and with its Paraguayan affiliate to follow on a date yet to be confirmed.

This consolidates oneworld’s position as the leading alliance for flights within Latin America and between the region and both the United States and Europe - the two most popular destinations for South American international travellers.

TAM’s entry into oneworld with effect from the first flights on March 31st 2014 will follow immediately upon its exit from the Star Alliance with effect from the final flights on March 30th 2014.

The airline and oneworld are taking every effort to ensure that the alliance transition is as seamless as possible for customers.

TAM underlined today that all members of its Fidelidade frequent flyer programme will maintain all points earned and their respective tier status, according to the applicable conditions of the programme. 

A thorough communications plan is being developed to brief them in detail on all the benefits and privileges they will receive as part of oneworld from March 31st – including the ability to earn and redeem points on any of the alliance’s member airlines.

Four of oneworld’s established members – American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia and LAN – currently serve a total of seven destinations in Brazil. 

TAM will expand the alliance’s coverage of Brazil, one of the world’s most rapidly developing economies, to 42 destinations.

TAM Airlines chief executive Claudia Sender added: “We want to introduce Brazil to our new partners and welcome them into our country. 

“In the coming months, we will continue working to ensure a smooth transition for everyone. 

“We also want our passengers to learn about the benefits, connections and products offered by oneworld so they can travel the world with us.”