TAM and LAN Airlines have begun transferring their international operations to the new Terminal 3 at Guarulhos International Airport in Sao Paulo today.

Meanwhile, TAM has begun to transfer its domestic operations from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2.

The move is expected to be concluded by October 10th and will provide passengers with greater comfort, while also positioning Guarulhos Airport as LATAM Airlines Group’s largest international hub.

The two airlines have carefully planned the transition and there are no changes to the scheduled arrival and departure times of flights.

The first stage of this process consists of transferring all operations for long-haul flights from and to Europe and North America from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3.

Then it will be the turn of all operations involving short-haul flights to and from countries in South America.

Lastly, TAM’s domestic flight operations will be transferred from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2, Wing D.

The transition includes the entire check-in and baggage operations, stores for purchasing and rescheduling tickets, self-service totems and back-office structure.

The recheck-in area will be located in Terminal 3 (lower level) and also in Terminal 2.

Passenger access to the airport has also become easier as the car park connects directly to the new terminal.

Enrique Cueto, chief executive, LATAM Airlines Group, commented: “LATAM Airlines Group is the largest and most important airline group in South America and Guarulhos Airport is its main hub in the region.

“This change of terminal is strategic to offer a better travel experience for our customers.

“With the consolidation of our operations, we will extend the service capacity to our customers and provide more benefits, improving their connection times.”

LAN and TAM’s check-in operation includes 40 counters located strategically near the boarding area to help passengers get through the airport more quickly.

The new latest-generation baggage check-in system is fully automated and faster and also provides greater security.

Passengers departing from Terminal 3 also can enjoy a wide variety of shops, cafés and restaurants, while passengers arriving in the new terminal can shop in the world’s largest Dufry shop.

By the end of October, the first LATAM Airlines Group VIP Lounge and the largest in Guarulhos Airport will open its doors at the new terminal.

The new 1,835-square-metre lounge will be the first to feature the visual identity of LATAM Airlines Group.

The lounge will accommodate 450 people and will be available to all member airlines of the oneworld alliance.

With an innovative design, the lounge will provide the utmost in comfort, with amenities such as an entertainment room, a buffet area with cold and hot meals, private bathrooms and a bar with draft beer.

The three lounges maintained by TAM in Terminals 1 and 2 will be deactivated once the airline moves to the new terminal.

Until the new lounge is launched, customers can use the GRU VIP lounge located in Terminal 3 and the American Airlines VIP lounge located in Terminal 2.