OREANDA-NEWS. The agreement enables sales of flights from both companies on a single ticket, besides the accumulation of points on both loyalty programs.

American Airlines, a member of oneworld, and TAM Airlines, an affiliate of LATAM Airlines Group S.A., are launching today (August 15) their codeshare agreement. Under the bilateral agreement, each company will be able to sell, on a single ticket, seats for certain flights operated by the other codeshare partner. Therefore, the passengers of both airlines can now buy tickets for destinations in Brazil and the United States with greater ease.

From August 22, members of American Airlines’ and TAM’s frequent flyer programs will also be able to earn miles or points when traveling with both carriers, according to the specific terms and conditions of the AAdvantage and TAM Fidelidade programs. Later this year, they will also be able to redeem points or miles.

Through this agreement, the two companies increase the number of destinations offered to their passengers traveling between South America and the United States. Initially, TAM’s passengers can access 25 destinations in the United States, such as Las Vegas, Chicago or Boston, by connecting with American Airlines flights departing from Miami, Orlando and New York airports. In the near future, the number of destinations covered by this codeshare will increase, reaching up to 50 U.S. cities. American Airlines customers can now access eight new destinations in Brazil through flights operated by TAM from Sгo Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

The respective hubs operated by American Airlines and TAM will also provide greater convenience, such as shorter connection times between flights and more coordinated baggage handling.

“Thanks to this codeshare agreement with TAM, we are better able to respond to the increasing customer demand for travel between the U.S. and Brazil,” said Kurt Stache, American’s Vice President – Strategic Alliances. “This new access to TAM’s network significantly enhances American’s footprint in Brazil and represents an important stepping stone in building an even stronger strategic partnership with LATAM.”

“To have American Airlines as a partner is a great achievement. With this agreement, we are expanding the network of destinations to one of the markets with the most demand from our passengers. Whether traveling for business or leisure, customers will now have access to the broad American’s network in the United States with the purchase of a single ticket. In addition, passengers from the US will be able to discover more destinations in Brazil, while enjoying our top quality service,” said Marco Antonio Bologna, CEO of TAM S.A.

A few benefits enjoyed by TAM Fidelidade members, such as access to the VIP lounge of American Airlines and priority boarding, are still subject to TAM’s joining the oneworld alliance, scheduled for the second quarter of 2014. Until then, all TAM passengers will continue enjoying the benefits provided by Star Alliance on flights operated by the alliance members.