Global Traveler Chooses The Best Airline of South and Central America

TAM is chosen as the best airline company of South and Central America by the readers of Global Traveler, a magazine that specializes in business travel. This is the first time TAM receives top rank in this category among other companies that operate the same routes.

Over 25 thousand readers responded to the GT Tested Awards annual survey, led by the magazine, to choose the best airline companies, hotels, frequent flyer programs and other travel related services in 60 categories.

"By choosing TAM, GT readers recognize the care and attention we give our passengers,” said Jose Sampol, North American director for TAM. “This recognition reflects our ‘spirit to serve’ philosophy, and has a special meaning to all of us because it was achieved through hard work and dedication."

Global Traveler is one of the most important and prestigious publications that targets business travelers, who fly frequently in business and first class.

This survey took place between January 1 and August 31, 2009 on the publication’s website www.globaltraverusa.com/survey. The questionnaire consisted of open-ended questions that could be sent by email or regular mail. Only questionnaires with over 50% completion were accepted.  Additionally, magazine employees or members of the tourism industry could not participate.

The December issue of the magazine provides extensive coverage of the ranking process, already in its sixth edition. According to the magazine: "with a passion to fly and serve, TAM offers easy airport check-in, luggage tracking service, lie-flat seats and an extensive route network." The complete list of winners in all categories is available in the December issue.

TAM has been leading the domestic market since July 2003, and closed the last month of November with a market share of 43.9%. The company flies to 42 destinations in Brazil and with regional partners the number reaches 79 destinations nationwide. TAM’s market share among Brazilian airlines operating international flights was 85.4% in November. International operations include nonstop flights to 18 destinations in the United States, Europe and South America: New York, Miami and Orlando (USA), Paris (France), London (UK), Milan (Italy), Frankfurt (Germany), Madrid (Spain), Buenos Aires (Argentina), La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia), Santiago (Chile), Asunción and Ciudad del Este (Paraguay), Montevideo (Uruguay), Caracas (Venezuela) and Lima (Peru). Furthermore, TAM has code-share agreements with international companies, enabling passengers to fly to 72 other destinations in the US, South America and Europe. A pioneer in the launching of a frequent flyer program in Brazil, today, TAM’s "Fidelidade" program has 6.4 million members and has already awarded 9.2 million tickets through point redemption.