LATAM Airlines has launched a new seasonal route connecting Fortaleza, Brazil, and Lisbon, Portugal, operational until October 20. The inaugural flight reported a 94% load factor. This service operates weekly using Boeing 787-9 aircraft, accommodating 300 passengers across three classes.
The route facilitates LATAM Cargo's operations, exporting over 20 tons of fresh fruit weekly from Ceará to Europe, as noted by AEROIN, a media partner in Brazil. This development positions LATAM as the leading airline at Fortaleza Airport, with approximately 200 weekly flights. The airline also services São Paulo to Juazeiro do Norte and Jericoacoara, each with 10 weekly flights.
LATAM's international services from Fortaleza include routes to Miami and Santiago de Chile. The Santiago route, inaugurated in December 2024, operates weekly. Eduardo Macedo of LATAM Brasil remarked, "The launch of this new route reinforces our commitment to Brazil's air connectivity, particularly in a strategic state like Ceará."
Marcelo Freixo of Embratur highlighted Portugal's importance as a tourist source for Ceará, stating, "This connection will make it even easier for European tourists to access Northeast Brazil." Governor Elmano de Freitas of Ceará noted the economic benefits, while Leonardo Carnielle of Fraport Brasil expressed satisfaction with the new service.
Fortaleza is a candidate for LATAM's Airbus A321XLR, capable of direct flights from Northeast Brazil to Europe and the U.S. This could further establish Fortaleza as a strategic international hub.
Source: AviaciOnline