Growth of Air Travel in Latin America

In recent years, air travel in Latin America has experienced remarkable growth. The revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) for the industry surged by 9.5% year-on-year in March 2018, reflecting the fastest growth rate since March 2017, significantly above the five-year average rate of 6.8%. Globally, RPKs also grew by 7.2% year-on-year during the first quarter of 2018, indicating a strong trend consistent with previous years, as noted in the Air Passenger Market Analysis.

In 2017, leading Latin American airlines transported approximately 225.8 million passengers across the region. Data was collected from several key airlines, including Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeromar, AeroMéxico, Avianca, and LATAM Airlines Group. Consequently, the top airlines were ranked based on their passenger traffic for the year.

Top Latin American Airlines

1. LATAM Airlines Group

LATAM Airlines Group S.A., headquartered in Santiago, Chile, encompasses LAN Airlines and TAM, alongside affiliate carriers in Peru, Argentina, Colombia, and Ecuador. The combined carriers operate a fleet of 328 aircraft serving 140 destinations across 24 countries.

Individual Airline Profiles

Gol Airlines

Based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Gol Airlines is a low-cost carrier known for its significant route network throughout South America and the Caribbean, offering nearly 900 flights daily to 62 destinations in 13 countries.

Avianca Airlines

Avianca, originally founded in 1919, is Colombia’s national airline. It operates more than 100 destinations in 27 countries, with primary hubs located in Bogota, El Salvador, and Lima.

Azul Linhas Aéreas

Founded in May 2008, Azul Linhas Aéreas is a low-cost airline based in Barueri, Brazil, boasting the largest network in Brazil with services to more than 100 destinations and international flights initiated in 2015.

Aerolíneas Argentinas

Established in 1949, Aerolíneas Argentinas is the flag carrier of Argentina operating from Buenos Aires. With a fleet of 54, it connects over 30 domestic and 20 international destinations across Europe, the Americas, and Australasia.

Aeroméxico

Aeroméxico, the flag carrier of Mexico, operates over 600 flights daily to more than 80 cities globally. Its fleet features more than 120 aircraft, including Boeing and Embraer models.

TAME

TAME, Ecuador’s flag carrier, was established in 1962. With a fleet of 20 aircraft, it manages the transportation of nearly 6,000 passengers daily.

Avianca El Salvador

Previously known as TACA Airlines, this airline serves 50 destinations globally and is a subsidiary of Avianca Holdings S.A., operating a fleet of 58 aircraft.

Copa Airlines

Copa Airlines, based in Panama since its inception in 1947, offers 326 daily flights across 73 destinations in North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean, utilizing a fleet of 103 Boeing and Embraer jets.

Viva Colombia

Founded in May 2012, this Medellin-based low-cost airline operates 16 destinations across Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and the United States, with an expanding fleet of Airbus A320-200s.