MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

TAM ordered 34 aircraft in anticipation of strong growth demand in Brazil

The operation involves 32 A320 Airbus and two Boeing 777-300

TAM, Brazil's largest airline has ordered 34 aircraft to renew its fleet as it expands operations in its home market and overseas. The operation involves 3.2 billion US dollars and includes 32 A320 Airbus (156/174 seats) and two Boeing 777-300ERS (365 seats).

“We are already preparing for the years after 2015, given the expanding demand for air travel, both domestic and international, which is expected to continue to register strong growth” said CEO Libano Barroso in the statement.

TAM said that Boeing will deliver its two planes by 2014, while Airbus will deliver its planes as early as 2016. With the acquisition of the new aircraft TAM fleet should increase from 156 to 182 in 2015.

The Sao Paulo-based company, which is seeking regulatory approval to combine with Chile's LAN, said it expects demand to grow between 15% and 18% compared to 23% last year with an occupancy rate of 73% to 75%. In 2010 the rate was 71.9%.

Brazil will be hosting the 2014 World Cup, the Americas Cup in 2015 and the 2016 Summer Olympics and is expecting a huge influx of tourists for the events.