by Brian Major
Last updated: 11:54 AM ET, Thu January 16, 2014
Brazil-based carrier TAM Airlines is seeking permission from the country's aviation authorities to operate an additional 1,000 flights in June and July, the months of the FIFA World Cup, during which 12 Brazilian cities will host Cup matches. TAM is one of four Brazilian airlines reported to have requested additional flights for the World Cup period.
The additional flights will "meet the demand from both Brazilian and international passengers in light of the expected changes in the country's passenger flows" during the World Cup, said TAM representatives in a statement.
TAM officials originally requested the proposed flights from Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency in December and is awaiting a response, said Claudia Sender, the airline's CEO. The flights will include 850 domestic departures and up to 200 international flights, she said.
"We made a large request for additional flights to meet passenger demand based on the geographic distribution of host cities and match dates," said Sender. "The investment required to operate these flights should exceed 50 million reals ($21.15 million)."
If approved, the new schedule would significantly boost TAM's flight frequencies to several host cities. Daily flights to Brasilia would increase from 83 to 96; from five to 11 to Cuiaba; from 27 to 32 to Fortaleza; from 13 to 18 to Manaus and from 100 to 112 to Rio de Janeiro.
The expansion comes as international observers have expressed concern over Brazil's ability to provide adequate airlift to serve the expected visitor surge to the huge country. Concerns have also focused on the potential for high fares from Brazilian air carriers. In turn, the government has warned it will intervene if evidence of price-gouging emerges.
Two other Brazilian carriers, Avianca Airlines and Azul Airlines, have promised to cap airfares during the World Cup period. Avianca said this week it would match Azul and limit one-way fares to 999 reals ($425).
The Brazilian Tourism Board (Embratur) has estimated between 500,000 and 600,000 international fans will visit Brazil during the World Cup. The events are expected to also draw more than three million local tourists.
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