TAM Signs Contract for Acquisition of New Generation Jetliners

TAM firmed up its order for 22 A350 XWBs (Extra Wide Body) models 800 and 900, to be delivered from 2013 onwards.

TAM, Airbus’ biggest customer in the southern hemisphere, now has the largest A350 XWB fleet in this region on order and will be the first in Latin America to incorporate this aircraft into its fleet.

TAM also confirmed the acquisition of four A330-200 aircraft with deliveries from 2010 onwards and of 20 more aircraft from the A320 family. The A320 family aircraft are in addition to the firm order signed in 2005 and 2006 for the same models. According to the price list, the total value of the 46 aircraft is approximately US$ 6.9 billion.

With an operating fleet of 109 aircraft, of which 102 are Airbus aircraft, including 15 A319’s, 70 A320’s, three A330-200’s and two A340-500’s, TAM operates not only the largest Airbus fleet in Latin America but also maintains the largest number of models from the European manufacturer in the region. TAM’s fleet plan remains unchanged; it foresees a fleet of 123 aircraft by the end of this year and 136 aircraft by the end of 2010.

The A330 has low operating costs, and the largest and most comfortable passenger’s cabin on its category. TAM already operates 12 A330-200 aircraft in its international long haul routes. The 88 aircraft from the A320 family in the Company’s fleet are used in Brazilian and other South America routes.