LATAM Airlines Group S.A. and its subsidiaries (“LATAM”) announced a 95% reduction in their passenger operations during April 2020, due to border closings and lower demand as a result of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. The measure will be permanently evaluated based on travel restrictions in different countries and demand.
Operations in force during April 2020
Domestic flights:
In Brazil, LATAM Airlines Brasil will continue to fly to 39 destinations with reduced frequencies, including its connection centers in São Paulo (Guarulhos and Congonhas airports), Brasilia and Fortaleza.
In Chile, LATAM Airlines Group will maintain frequencies limited to 13 of its 16 destinations, temporarily suspending operations in Rapa Nui, Castro and Osorno.
Domestic flights from LATAM subsidiaries in Peru, Argentina, Colombia and Ecuador continue to be suspended, for regulatory reasons.
International flights:
LATAM Airlines Group and LATAM Airlines Brasil will operate their respective limited frequencies between Santiago and São Paulo, from Santiago to Miami and Los Angeles, as well as flights from São Paulo to Miami and to New York.
Cargo operations during April 2020
The operation of the LATAM Group’s cargo subsidiaries has not been limited by border closings and travel restrictions. In order to support exports and imports and the transportation of essential goods in the region, the Group is increasing capacity (in tons per available kilometer – ATK) in more than 15% of the cargo fleet. This includes an increase in flights from 21 to 26 a week between South America and the United States, a 20% increase in operations between South America and Europe, and the use of passenger aircraft for exclusively cargo flights.
New CEO and change in the Board
Furthermore, the company announced that, as previously reported, as of April 1, 2020, Roberto Alvo took over as the new CEO of LATAM Airlines Group. The executive, who has been with the Group for 19 years, has held leadership positions in areas such as: International Passenger Business, Cargo, Alliances, Fleet, Development and Planning, Finance and lately as Commercial Vice President. Alvo is a civil engineer from the Catholic University of Chile and obtained an MBA from IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Likewise, the Board of LATAM Airlines Group appointed Enrique Cueto, former CEO of the company, as director to replace Juan José Cueto, who made his resignation effective on April 1. At the next Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting, the Board of Directors must be elected and renewed.