LAN and TAM do not expect their planned merger to lead to changes in their fleet plans or orderbooks but expect that the tie-up could lead to some new orders.
The two carriers operate a combined fleet of over 240 aircraft (see chart) with more than 220 on order.
LAN's freighter fleet consists of nine Boeing 767s and two 777s, with supplemental main deck capacity provided through wet-leased aircraft. TAM's cargo business is limited to passenger aircraft belies.
On the passenger side, the two carriers have complementary Airbus A320 family narrowbody fleets. TAM expects to grow its A320 fleet to 137 aircraft by the end of 2014 while LAN's latest fleet plan envisages 133 A320s by the end of 2018.
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Most of the carriers' existing A320s are powered by International Aero Engines V2500s, although TAM also operates some with CFM International CFM56s and LAN last month selected CFM56s for 70 additional A320s on order.
On the passenger widebody side, TAM envisages eventually focusing on Airbus A350s and Boeing 777s, while LAN's plan is to focus its fleet on Boeing 787s, as its as its long-haul routes tend to be thinner.
But the merger could change the dynamics of their routes, with the increased feed potentially supporting larger widebodies. The carriers expect the merger will lead to new flights to Europe, Asia and Africa.
Source: Flight International
