The LATAM Group’s subsidiaries in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Paraguay (excluding LATAM Chile) and Aerolíneas Argentinas have signed codeshare agreements that promise to revolutionize air connectivity in South America. This new agreement will enable both airlines to offer a smoother travel experience with greater benefits for frequent flyers.

Key Benefits of the Agreement

1. Enhanced Connectivity

The agreements allow for the joint marketing of over 140 destinations in South America, including:

  • 55 domestic destinations in Brazil
  • 37 destinations in Argentina
  • 21 destinations in Peru
  • 19 destinations in Colombia
  • 8 destinations in Ecuador

Additionally, regional routes between Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Argentina will be strengthened, offering a more robust network of flights between these countries.

Combined routes of Aerolíneas Argentinas and LATAM:

Combined routes between Aerolíneas Argentinas and LATAM subsidiaries.

2. Earning and Redeeming Miles/Points

Passengers will be able to earn and redeem miles/points in the frequent flyer programs of both airlines:

  • LATAM Pass (48 million members)
  • Aerolíneas Plus (over 4 million members)

3. More Seamless Travel Options

LATAM customers will gain access to Aerolíneas Argentinas’ entire domestic flight network, while Aerolíneas Argentinas passengers will enjoy LATAM’s extensive international and regional network.

Aerolíneas Argentinas A330.

Implementation and Regulations

The codeshare agreements are subject to approval by relevant authorities. Implementation will begin in the coming months, marking a new chapter of collaboration between the two airlines.

What Does This Mean for SkyTeam Frequent Flyers?

This new codeshare partnership between LATAM Group and Aerolíneas Argentinas is a significant milestone for SkyTeam travelers, as Aerolíneas Argentinas is a member of the global alliance. Although LATAM is not part of any global alliance following its departure from Oneworld, this strategic collaboration enhances connectivity and synergies for both SkyTeam and non-SkyTeam members in South America, a region predominantly served by Aerolíneas Argentinas.

Benefits for SkyTeam

Expanded Destination Network. As SkyTeam’s representative in South America, Aerolíneas Argentinas can now offer greater connectivity through its partnership with LATAM, particularly to key domestic markets in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Paraguay where LATAM has a strong presence.

Regional Competitiveness. These agreements strengthen SkyTeam’s position in South America by consolidating connectivity between countries traditionally dominated by other alliances or independent carriers. This enables SkyTeam to present a more robust value proposition against competitors like Star Alliance.

More Attractive Earning and Redemption Opportunities. The ability for Aerolíneas Plus members to earn and redeem miles on LATAM flights increases the program’s appeal. While LATAM is not a SkyTeam member, this agreement indirectly benefits the alliance by boosting customer loyalty to Aerolíneas Argentinas.

Strengthened Relationship with Aerolíneas Argentinas. The partnership with LATAM solidifies Aerolíneas Argentinas’ role within SkyTeam, reinforcing its position as the alliance’s main link in South America. This collaboration could also pave the way for future strategic partnerships between SkyTeam and other unaffiliated airlines in the region.

While the agreements provide significant connectivity and reach benefits for SkyTeam, they also pose strategic challenges. LATAM, as a non-aligned carrier, may continue forming similar partnerships with airlines from different alliances, diversifying its collaborations and reducing the exclusivity of benefits for SkyTeam. Nevertheless, this scenario also represents an opportunity for the alliance to deepen its relationship with LATAM in other areas.

LATAM 787-8.

Maximize Your Miles with AwardFares

With AwardFares, finding flights with miles takes just seconds. Try it for free and see how easy it is. For even more powerful features, like unlimited daily searches, alerts, seat maps, and flight schedules, check out our Gold and Diamond plans.

Read More

Our guides have all the information you need to be a pro travel hacker and explore the world on points. Here are some related posts you might enjoy: