Santiago, Chile, Nov. 03, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LATAM group, the leading airline group in Latin America, announced today that it successfully completed its financial restructuring process in the United States, which it voluntarily commenced in May 2020 to reduce its debt, access new sources of financing, and transform its business in response to the global pandemic. Having maintained its leading position while achieving significant cost savings, LATAM has emerged from the reorganization as a more efficient group, with a modernized fleet, the most extensive network of connections in South America, and the continent’s largest loyalty program.
With over US$2.2 billion of liquidity, approximately US$3.6 billion less debt on its balance sheet (equivalent to a 35% debt reduction from the pre-filing period), and the support of key incumbent and new shareholders, LATAM is poised to reaffirm its leadership in Latin America and has positioned itself for long-term sustainability.
“Today marks an important milestone for LATAM and our stakeholders. We are pleased that we have completed a significant transformation and emerged from our financial restructuring process with a strengthened financial position and a renewed commitment to operational excellence. As a group with a dynamic team of 30,000 employees and an unrivaled connectivity network, we look forward to continuing to offer passengers the best alternative for travel to, from, and within South America and to contribute in the broader sense to the various countries in which we operate and their diverse interests” said Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group.
LATAM group offers a unique value proposition:
- Network: LATAM is the leading airline group in Latin America, with affiliates operating in five domestic markets in the region: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, as well as international operations within Latin America and to Europe, the United States and the Caribbean, Oceania and soon Africa, as LATAM Airlines Brazil will resume the Sao Paulo– Johannesburg route in mid-2023. The group reached 144 destinations in 22 countries as of October, and it expects to close the year with a global operation footprint (measured in Available Seat Kilometers, ASKs) of more than 85% compared to 2019. Between 2021 and 2022, the group added 10 new destinations in Brazil and plans to operate 36 new routes by 2023.
- LATAM Cargo: LATAM Cargo and the cargo subsidiaries are in the midst of an expansion plan that will allow them to increase their respective fleets from 11 Boeing 767-300F aircraft in 2019 to a total of up to 20 767-300F aircraft in 2024, thereby improving transportation options for their respective customers.
- Delta Joint Venture: Recently, LATAM group has implemented a joint venture with Delta that will allow passengers to access more than 300 destinations between the U.S./Canada and South America (Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay). The joint venture agreement will enable the airlines to increase their level of cooperation in the aforementioned markets, resulting in a greater number of routes, more and better connections and the strengthening of frequent flyer program benefits.
- Fleet: LATAM entered into agreements with Airbus to acquire by 2029 a total of 87 A320neo family aircraft, which are 20% more fuel efficient.
- Frequent Flyer Program: With 39 million members, LATAM Pass is the largest loyalty program in South America and the seventh largest worldwide.
LATAM group’s track record, its leadership in Latin America and its robust business plan made it possible to complete its restructuring with the support of new prominent shareholders, including Sixth Street, Strategic Value Partners, and Sculptor Capital Management, and its incumbent strategic shareholders, Delta, Qatar and the Cueto family.
On November 15, 2022, an Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting (EGM) will be held to renew LATAM Airlines Group SA’s Board of Directors.
ABOUT LATAM AIRLINES GROUP S.A.
LATAM Airlines Group S.A. is the leading airline group in Latin America, with presence in five domestic markets in the region: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, as well as international operations within Latin America and to Europe, the United States, the Caribbean and Oceania.
The group has a fleet of Boeing 767, 777, 787, Airbus A321, A320, A320neo and A319 aircraft.
LATAM Cargo Chile, LATAM Cargo Colombia and LATAM Cargo Brazil are the cargo subsidiaries of the LATAM group, having a combined fleet of 16 cargo aircraft, which will gradually increase up to a total of 20 cargo aircraft by 2024. These cargo subsidiaries have access to the group's passenger aircraft and operate within the LATAM group's network, as well as on exclusive international routes for cargo transportation. In addition, they offer modern infrastructure and a wide variety of services and service options to meet the needs of their customers.
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