TAM to Axe First Class Seats on Boeing 777 fleet

Brazil's TAM Airlines is removing its luxe first class seats from its long-haul Boeing 777 fleet, in order to create more space for bigger and better business class seats.

Effective from November 1, 2014 the change will be visible on all its international flights flying to the U.S., Mexico, Italy, Spain, France, UK and Germany. Due to lack of demand for its First Class, which was introduced in November 2012, TAM decided to discontinue this product on all its international flights.

Instead, the airline will improve its offerings in business class. To stay innovative and offer more personalized space to its Elite travelers, TAM will now offer upgraded business class seats with 15 percent additional space. The seats when reclined, will measure 84 inches in length. The entire Boeing 777 fleet will provide comfortable business class seats, ideal for travelers sleeping or resting during their flight. Adaption to the new seats will happen by the mid of 2015.

Part of LATAM Airlines Group, TAM Airlines will have appointed a dedicated member of crew responsible for overlooking the overall in-flight experience. Known as 'head of on-board service’ this person will personally inspect all the services and amenities offered in business class so to ensure service consistency.

Chief marketing officer at LATAM Airlines Group, Jerome Cadier said, after considering the average load factor for the first class section we decided to remove the same. This decision will give us more space allowing us to improve our services offered in business class section. Passengers will get better services and more personal space at the same cost.

TAM Airlines is adopting the same policy as LATAM. LATAM has also dropped First Class Seats from all its long-haul flights flying to North America and Europe. The airline from November 1, will offer only premium economy and business class seats. LATAM is renovating its business class section on its Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A350 fleet. Just like LATAM, even TAM will offer a front-facing 2-2-2 layout in its business class.