Brazilian airline TAM just added a new Airbus A320 aircraft to its fleet. This is the sixth airplane received this year by the company – four aircraft from the Airbus A320/319 family and two MD-11.
The total fleet reaches 99 aircraft, of which 78 are Airbus models – 15 A319, 53 A320, and 10 A330. The Company also operates 19 F-100 and 2 MD-11. TAM expects its fleet to have 109 airplanes by the end of 2007.
With this new aircraft, the company says, they are strengthening "its policy of operating a newer fleet, providing passengers with more comfort."
According to a specialized magazine, TAM's fleet is the newest in Brazil with average age of 7.1 years, compared to 11.2 in the sector.
The aircraft is part of contracts that still foresee the acquisition of 60 Airbus aircraft to be delivered by 2010. The contracts include the option of an additional 20 aircraft.
The company also announced the acquisition of four new Boeing 777-300ER and four more options, with deliveries by 2008. TAM's strategic plan foresees an operational fleet of 132 Airbus aircraft by the end of 2010.
TAM has been the leader in the Brazilian domestic market for more than three years, and held a 47.2% domestic market share and 58.7% international market share at the end of January 2006.
TAM operates regular flights to 48 destinations throughout Brazil. It serves 72 different cities in the domestic market through regional alliances. Additionally, it maintains code-share agreements with international airline companies that allow passengers to travel to a large number of destinations throughout the world.
