MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Brazil's TAM joins largest global aviation alliance

Brazil's TAM announced this week its entry into the Star Alliance, the largest global alliance in commercial aviation, currently made up of 21 of the world's largest airlines and three regional companies that jointly operate more than 18,100 flights daily.

"This is a very important step forward for TAM since through our alliance membership we will gain further international brand recognition," said Captain David Barioni Neto, CEO of TAM. "Joining Star Alliance will further bolster our ongoing quest for service excellence, technical and operational excellence and excellence in management, which are the three pillars of our strategy." The Chief Executive Board (CEB) of Star Alliance unanimously voted to accept TAM â€" South America's largest airline and a leader in the domestic and international market among Brazilian companies â€" as a future member of the alliance. "Thanks to TAM, Latin America will no longer be a white spot but rather a hot spot on our world map," said Jaan Albrecht, CEO of the organization, during the official announcement. "We are very proud to have TAM as a future member; their decision to join Star Alliance clearly reflects the ongoing importance of alliances today," continued Albrecht. TAM already has code-share agreements with Lufthansa, TAP and United, all Star Alliance members, and has just signed an agreement with Air Canada, also part of the global alliance. Once the Brazilian company completes the integration process, the Star Alliance route network will expand to more than 1,000 destinations in 170 countries, offering more than 20,000 daily departures. This will further solidify Star Alliance's leadership among world alliances. Once TAM becomes a full-fledged member of the global alliance, it will share products and services in the 1,000 airports and 170 countries in which the organization operates. The list includes baggage check-in to the final destination, easier connections and the convenience of more than 800 VIP lounges. TAM since the failure of flag carrier Varig has become Brazil's leading airline.