Airlines
TAM Reveals Plans for Regional Expansion
Decision on order for 18 new jets due in first quarter
TAM said it could use its 144-seat Airbus A319s to launch a regional expansion initiative next year. (Photo: Flickr: Creative Commons (BY) by Joao Carlos Medau)
TAM said it could use its 144-seat Airbus A319s to launch a regional expansion initiative next year. (Photo: Flickr: Creative Commons (BY) by Joao Carlos Medau)

Brazil’s TAM Airlines plans to add between four and six new regional routes every year into the foreseeable future, regardless of whether or not the country’s legislature approves any regulatory changes meant to encourage regional airline development, the airline announced Friday. It added that it has reached an advanced stage of negotiation with Embraer and other manufacturers on a planned firm order for 18 airplanes in the size category of Embraer’s E2 E-Jets and options on another 10. TAM said it expected to conclude negotiations by the end of next year’s first quarter.