A new super-airline wants to dominate South America — here's what it's like to fly on its new planes (ADR)

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September 3, 2017 2:50 PM

LATAM formed in 2015 following the merger of Chile's LAN and Brazil's TAM

In operation since 2015, LATAM is one of newest international airline brands in the world. Yet it's one backed by nine decades worth of history and experience.

The brand is a result of a 2012 merger between Chile's LAN Airlines and Brazil's TAM. Together they form the largest airline in Latin America with 46,000 employees operating subsidiaries in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. LATAM's modern fleet is made up of more than 300 state-of-the-art Boeing and Airbus jets.

In 2016, the airline's profits jumped 10% to $568 million with a margin of 6% after streamlining its operations post merger.

Here's a closer look LATAM:

In 2012, LAN Chile, an airline in operation since 1929, merged with...

... Brazil's TAM, which has been around since 1976.

Together, they became LATAM. With the rebrand, the company wanted to capture the essence and legacies of both LAN and TAM.

The airline has one of the newest fleets in the world with an average age of just seven years. LATAM was one of the first airlines in the world to operate the ultra-fuel efficient Airbus A320neo,...

.... Airbus A350XWB, and...

... Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Onboard, LATAM has worked hard to bolster its international in-flight experience as well.

It's premium business cabin features sleeper seats that...

.... Can be converted into a 73-inch long bed.

In addition, passengers have access to a full-range of movies, music, and TV shows on a 15-inch display.

Amenity kits are by Salvatore Ferragamo.

Premium cabin passengers are also treated to gourmet meals featuring natural ingredients sourced from South America paired with wines selected by master sommelier Hector Vergara.

Like this pan seared Amazonian pirarucú fish with Caipirinha sauce, roasted baby potatoes, and baby carrots

Or this roasted pineapple stuffed with passion fruit and pistachios.

The luxe experience doesn't end in the premium cabin.

LATAM's economy cabin features 31-32 inches of seat pitch. In addition, food services come with complimentary wine service on long-haul flights.

Its aircraft are also equipped with seatback entertainment screens with more than 100 movies along with a selection of music and TV show.

The pattern on the bathroom floor is inspired by the boardwalk in Ipanema, Brazil.

Overall, it's cabins are decorated with colors and textures meant to convey the warmth and spirit of South America.

The airlines' new fleet of Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 feature cabins that are 40% quieter with 40% larger windows. The cabins are also pressurized to mimic conditions at a more comfortable altitude with air that's less dry.

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