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LATAM enters bankruptcy due to coronavirus, says it will keep flying

May 26, 2020
2 min read
LATAM 767 New Cabin_March 2019_BDorsey-7
LATAM enters bankruptcy due to coronavirus, says it will keep flying
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The effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the travel industry have been particularly brutal. Several hotels have shuttered their doors temporarily or permanently while airlines have slashed routes and furloughed staff.

Now, another airline is feeling the effects of the pandemic. LATAM Airlines on May 26 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States, citing a collapse in demand and subsequent financial pressures caused by COVID-19," the airline said in an infographic detailing the filing.

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"We are looking ahead to a post-COVID future and are focused on transforming our group to adapt to a new and evolving way of flying," Roberto Alvo, LATAM Airlines Group CEO, said in a statement, "with the health and safety of our passengers and employees being paramount."

The statement says the airline will continue flying, paying its employees, meeting benefit obligations, and paying critical suppliers. LATAM says it will also honor LATAM Pass miles and flight reservations.

Bloomberg reports the airline just over $1 billion cash on hand.

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The filing comes just weeks after South American carrier Avianca filed for Chapter 11 protection, citing an 80% decline in revenues due to the coronavirus pandemic, as we previously reported. Avianca's scheduled passenger operations have been suspended since mid-March due to COVID-19.

Related: What does Avianca's bankruptcy filing mean for the LifeMiles program?

Delta last year purchased 20% of LATAM Airlines — a then a member of the carrier's alliance competitor, Oneworld. Since then, LATAM has begun building its new partnership by announcing several new flights and opening a new lounge, intended to feed LATAM connections in Miami, an airport dominated by American Airlines.

Delta SkyMiles members can now earn and redeem miles for travel on LATAM. Additionally, LATAM customers will be able to earn and redeem miles on Delta-operated flights.

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The Capital One Venture X Business Card has all the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has to offer and more. It offers an incredible welcome bonus and requires an equally impressive spend to qualify. In addition, the card comes with premium travel perks like annual travel credit. (Partner offer)

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  • Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
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  • Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
  • Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
  • This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month