By Juan Pedro Sanchez Zamudio
LATAM Looks To Mixed Results in March
Within the context of international uncertainty that has resulted in high volatility in fuel prices, LATAM Airlines Group has estimated its operation for this month.
It is important to remember that in February 2022, LATAM Airlines Group’s passenger traffic (measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometers – RPK) was 60.6% in relation to the same period in 2019, based on an operation measured in ASK (available seat kilometers) of 63.7% compared to February 2019. As a result, the load factor reached 79.8%.
Regarding cargo operations, the load factor was 61.5%, which corresponds to an increase of 9.2% compared to February 2019.
The carrier has estimated a passenger operation of up to 67% for March (measured in available seat kilometers – ASK) compared to the same month of 2019. With this, LATAM is continuing a trend of operational stability that has been shown in recent months.
It is forecast that the domestic operations in Colombia and Brazil will drive the recovery compared to pre-pandemic levels, with estimated operational increases of 165% and 101% respectively.
Increased Schedules
One of the highlights of this month is the operations resumption from Santiago to Auckland and Sydney. LATAM plans to operate approximately 1,029 daily national and international flights during March, connecting 135 destinations in 20 countries.
Cargo operations from its subsidiaries are projected to reach levels equal to those prior to the global health crisis, with a 100% operational estimate for March. The cargo business has almost 1,200 cargo freighter flights scheduled with a level of utilization 7% higher on average than the same period in 2019.
These projections are subject to the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the latest new cases and infections in the countries where the group operates.
Finally, despite the fuel crisis, LATAM Airlines Group continues to project an exit from the Chapter 11 process this May.
March 2022 Projections
The three things Juan Pedro loves most about aviation are aircraft, airports, and traveling thousands of miles in just a few hours. What he enjoys the most about aviation is that it is easier and cheaper to travel around the world and this gives you the opportunity to visit places you thought were too far away. He has traveled to different destinations in North, Central, South America and Asia. Born, raised and still living in Perú, Juan is a lawyer, soccer lover, foodie, passionate traveler, dog lover, millennial and curious by nature.
