In addition to being a top sponsor for the 2016 Rio Olympics, LATAM Airlines announced that they are stepping up their own game in a big way.
The South American-based airline has rolled out over 100 major operations initiatives around the games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and at the Galeão and Santos Dumont International Airports. The hope is to ensure efficient, safe and on-time operations throughout the Olympics and Paralympics which are overrun with a massive influx of passengers.
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LATAM estimates around 25 percent of people traveling to Brazil for the games will do so on their airline. Because of that jump, LATAM has invested $20 million in their Olympic preparation, including reserving $5 million for contingencies that may pop up.
The process was recently announced, but is not new, as many of the LATAM employees at the two Rio airports have been training for these games for over a year-a comparison to some of the athletes I'm sure many of the LATAM executives enjoyed making repeatedly.
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Not only are the Olympic and Paralympic teams VIP-caliber guests to the airline, but the influx of special athletic and mobility equipment means extra chances to get things right, and LATAM has prepared to make sure they are ready.
No equipment, though, matches the Olympic Torch itself, which LATAM was honored to transport to the games, as seen here on the Wall Street Journal's YouTube page:
Competition at the games has already begun, but the opening ceremonies will be held Friday. The games will last until Aug. 21 with the Paralympics lasting until Sept. 18. Over 10,000 athletes are participating.
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