Two New Planes Will Operate On Domestic, Regional Routes

Representatives with Airbus tell ANN that Brazilian carrier TAM Linhas Aereas has taken delivery of its first two A321s. TAM's new A321s are powered by International Aero Engines V2500s and seat 220 passengers in a single-class layout.

TAM already operates an Airbus fleet of 86 aircraft comprising 15 A319s, 61 A320s, and 10 A330s. The airline is Airbus' largest customer in Latin America.

The new A321s will be put into service on TAM's domestic and regional network.

"With the A321 we will be able to open up new routes and offer new services to our passengers by connecting important cities. Furthermore, the A321 will provide us with the lowest seat-mile costs in this market segment, allowing us to optimize our network in the Southern cone of Latin America, whilst maintaining a high level of passenger comfort." said Marco Antonio Bologna, President of TAM.

John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers said, "I am pleased to see the arrival of a new Airbus member in TAM's fleet. The A321 will fit right in thanks to its extremely high level of operational commonality with the other members of the Airbus Family already in service with TAM."

FMI: www.airbus.com, www.tamairlines.com