Emirates inks deals with two Latam airlines

Sao Paulo, Brazil: Emirates airline said it has cemented deals with two Latin American airlines and several tour operators to develop its new service to Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The Dubai carrier signed an interconnection agreement with TAM Airlines, currently the largest airline based in Brazil and serving all major cities in the country.

Emirates also inked a similar agreement with the LAN Airlines group, which operates out of four hubs in Chile, Peru, Argentina and Ecuador.

"What we've done is sign special interline agreements for all routes and airlines (in the region)," said Ralf Aasmann, the newly appointed area manager for Emirates in Brazil.

Emirates on Monday began flying to Brazil six days a week with its new Boeing 777-200 long-range aircraft. The 15-hour, non-stop flight arrives at Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport.

The interline deals allow Emirates passengers arriving in Sao Paulo to continue on to every major Latin American capital on the same Emirates ticket.

TAM flights to all major cities in Brazil, the world's fifth largest nation, depart within three hours of the arrival of the Dubai flight, according to Aasmann.

The airline has also linked up with tour operators throughout Latin America to promote travel to the Middle East and beyond.

The agreements include specialised companies serving the large Japanese population in Brazil, who travel frequently to Japan and can now do so in less time via Dubai.

Emirates will also open sales offices in Chile and Argentina, which could help lay the foundation for service to Buenos Aires, which the airline is expected to launch in the next few years once it receives new aircraft.

On the Sao Paulo route, two aircraft are being used. A third B777-200 LR will join the Emirates fleet in a few weeks, allowing the airline to expand to seven flights a week in 2008.

Emirates' target is a 70 per cent seat load factor, but the area manager believes the route will exceed expectations.

"On our routes, there is a 70 per cent minimum commercial target, but we're estimating more for this route because there is a lack of flights on offer in Brazil to go to the Middle East or Asia," he said.

Sao Paulo is the largest city in the largest country in Latin America, he noted, giving Emirates an unparalleled opportunity for capturing both business and leisure travel.

If the results exceed 90 per cent seat load factors, Emirates may decide to increase its frequencies to double daily after a one-year performance review. The Dubai carrier holds all 14 of the UAE's weekly allotted flights to Sao Paulo in the 2004 aviation agreement.

Emirates also sees great possibilities in the Latin American freight business. Earlier, Emirates cargo was routed through Europe and then sent on TAM cargo flights to Brazil.