Latam boosts seats ahead of BA, Iberia and American deal approval

South American carrier adds capacity on routes to Europe, and North America as it awaits approval on a deal signed with BA, Iberia and American Airlines.

A British Airways' Airbus A380. Latam Airlines is awaiting approval of a deal it signed with the UK carrier and others and is adding capacity ahead of the decision. Paul Hackett / Reuters

Latam Airlines will increase seats on flights between Chile and North America and Europe, and add a new route to North America, it said, as it seeks to win regulatory approval for a deal with British Airways and Iberia and American Airlines.

The carriers, all members of the Oneworld Alliance, signed a deal in January 2016 to coordinate flight schedules and prices.

Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia have already approved the deal, with some restrictions to ensure passenger choice in Latin America. Chile’s competition tribunal is expected to rule on the deal in coming weeks.

Latam Airlines also said it would also take steps to maintain competition on flights between Santiago and Madrid and Miami.

“These commitments are more than sufficient and resolve completely the competition risks,” Latam.

In November, Chile’s anti-competition regulator raised concerns, saying that the operation could increase fares and affect route availability.

* Reuters

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