LATAM moves its New York JFK operations
LATAM Airlines Group announced today that it will relocate its operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York City) from Terminal 8 to Terminal 4, where Delta serves over 90 destinations in the United States, Canada and worldwide, starting February 1, 2020.
This relocation paves the way for smoother connections in New York between LATAM and Delta flights. From February 1, 2020, LATAM Premium Business and top tier LATAM Pass members (Black Signature, Black and Platinum) will also have lounge access in Terminal 4.
LATAM will automatically update reservations for customers with itineraries to/from New York/JFK on February 1, 2020 onwards, taking into account minimum connection times.
“Moving LATAM’s operations at JFK marks another important milestone in our journey towards offering the best connectivity and customer experience in the Americas,” said Roberto Alvo, Chief Commercial Officer of LATAM Airlines Group. “We are committed to providing a seamless transition for customers around the globe and are working tirelessly to deliver the benefits of the framework agreement with Delta as soon as possible.”
Since codeshares were announced in December 2019 between Delta and LATAM Airlines Peru, LATAM Airlines Colombia and LATAM Airlines Ecuador respectively, approval has been received by the relevant authorities in the United States and Colombia, with regulatory approvals in Ecuador and Peru as well as the publication of said codeshares expected during the first half of 2020. LATAM’s affiliates in Brazil and Chile also plan to establish codeshare agreements with Delta during 2020, subject to applicable regulatory approval.
In addition, the carriers are also working to provide a smooth transition for customers by establishing bilateral lounge access and mutual frequent flyer benefits during the first half of 2020.
End of codeshare agreements with American Airlines
LATAM will formally end all its codeshare agreements with American Airlines on January 31, 2020. Customers who have purchased American Airlines flights via LATAM prior to this date for flights from February 1, 2020 onwards will be entitled to the same services, with no change to flight or ticket conditions.
LATAM’s frequent flyer and reciprocal lounge access agreements with American Airlines will remain in place until LATAM leaves oneworld.
oneworld departure
LATAM advised oneworld and its alliance partners in September 2019 that it would leave the alliance. The company is evaluating an earlier departure date than the standard one-year notice period with any change to be communicated in due course.
Following LATAM’s departure from oneworld, it will maintain its bilateral agreements and customer benefits with the majority of the alliance members (British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines and SriLankan Airlines), subject to final agreement.
Background on the framework agreement announced on September 26, 2019:
• Delta announced it would invest USD$1.9 billion for a 20% stake in LATAM through a public tender offer at USD$16 per share. The tender offer was successfully completed on December 26, 2019.
• Delta will also invest USD$350 million to support the establishment of the strategic alliance contemplated in the framework agreement.
• Delta will acquire four Airbus A350 aircraft from LATAM and has agreed to assume LATAM’s commitment to purchase 10 additional A350 aircraft to be delivered between 2020 and 2025.
• Delta will be represented on LATAM’s Board of Directors.
• The strategic alliance is subject to all required governmental and regulatory approvals.
– eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News
Source: eTN Aviation
