The skies between the United States and South America are bustling with activity as economic and cultural ties between the two regions continue to strengthen. In June alone, over 7,000 flights are scheduled to connect the Americas, with 15 airlines providing direct service to eager travelers. Leading the pack is American Airlines, followed closely by Avianca, LATAM Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
American Airlines, the titan of US-South America air travel, operates an impressive 1,877 flights in June, offering 374,559 seats to passengers. The airline's extensive network covers over ten South American countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia. With its primary hub in Miami (MIA), American Airlines utilizes a diverse fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, such as the A321, 737, 777, and 787, to cater to varying route distances and passenger demands.
Hot on American Airlines' heels is Avianca, Colombia's largest airline and the second-largest in South America. In June, Avianca operates 1,453 flights between the Americas, transporting up to 263,552 passengers to over 30 South American cities. The airline's main focus is on Brazil and Colombia, with service to 24 different cities. Avianca primarily flies direct routes from Miami (MIA) and New York (JFK), employing its fleet of Airbus A320s, A320neos, and Boeing 787s.
LATAM Airlines, the largest airline in South America, secures the third spot with 1,252 flights in June, providing travel for 304,893 passengers. The Chilean carrier, in partnership with Delta Air Lines, serves over 300 destinations in the Americas. LATAM's direct flights from the US mainly focus on destinations in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, with most routes originating from Miami. The airline's fleet consists of various Boeing aircraft, including the 767, 777, 787, and Airbus A320s.
United Airlines and Delta Air Lines round out the top five, with 814 and 663 June flights, respectively. United operates direct flights from its hubs in Houston (IAH), Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), and Washington Dulles (IAD) to seven South American countries. The airline employs its Boeing fleet, including the 737, 737 MAX 8, 757, 767, 777, and 787, to accommodate the varying route demands. Delta, on the other hand, offers direct flights to six South American countries, primarily from its main hub in Atlanta (ATL). The airline utilizes its 767s, A330s, 737s, 757s, and A350s on these routes.
Beyond the top five, ten other airlines contribute to the vibrant air travel scene between the US and South America. Spirit Airlines, with 547 flights, falls just 166 flights short of Delta's June offerings. JetBlue, Azul, Aerolíneas Argentinas, and Gol also play significant roles in connecting the two regions. Smaller carriers like Boliviana de Aviación (BoA), Horizon Airlines, Caribbean Airlines, Emirates, and Surinam Airways add to the diversity of options available to travelers.
As the demand for air travel between the United States and South America continues to soar, these airlines are poised to expand their networks and enhance their services. With a combined offering of over 1.6 million seats in June alone, passengers can expect a wide array of options when planning their journeys between the two continents. The skies are indeed bustling with activity, and the future of US-South America air travel looks brighter than ever.
