TAM Fleet Gets Airbus Boost

Brazilian airline TAM has incorporated a new Airbus A320 aircraft into its operational fleet, the sixth aircraft received this year by the company. The total fleet reaches 99 aircraft, of which 78 are Airbus models, 15 A319, 53 A320, and 10 A330.

The Company also operates 19 F-100 and 2 MD-11. TAM expects its fleet to have 109 airplanes by the end of 2007.

With this new aircraft the company strengthens its policy of operating a newer fleet, providing passengers with more comfort. According to a specialized magazine, TAM’s fleet is the newest in Brazil with average age of 7.1 years, compared to 11.2 in the sector.

The aircraft is part of contracts that still foresee the acquisition of 60 Airbus aircraft to be delivered by 2010. The contracts include the option of an additional 20 aircraft.

The company also announced the acquisition of four new Boeing 777-300ER and four more options, with deliveries by 2008. TAM’s strategic plan foresees an operational fleet of 132 Airbus aircraft by the end of 2010.