This is the 1st Airline focus of the forum, and the focus airline is TAM of Brazil (www.tam.com.br)

TAM of Brazil started its business in 1976, and was a 3rd level airline until early 2000, and did not have international routes before 2000.

It undergone a great change since 1998, when A330 are delivered & international routes, like routes to Paris & Miami, are opened, and most Fokkers are replaced with Airbus A319 / A320.

Its A319 / A320 have very special Economy class seatings, with middle seat of the 3-abreast block is 19" wide from armset to armset, 1.5" wider than other seats of the same block. This gives middle seat passengers more comfort, but less comfort for aisle seat & window seat passengers.

It is the only Brazilian international carrier having personal TV for all seats on its long haul fleet (A330-200), and having 4-abreast flat sleeper seats with divisionsin First Class. There is even a bar for economy class passengers, the first one in the world. Limousine service is available for First class passengers travelling to Miami. There are drop down LCD TV on A319 / A320. These makes TAM have much better inflight service than VARIG, the largest Brazilian carrier.

Hope TAM can have larger market share & have more destinations, so to bring the best of Brazil & even the best of South America to more places of the world!