TACA

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Skytrax rating: 3 stars
Star Alliance member (May 2012)

Operations

Globally

  • The Americas (North and South) and the Caribbean
  • Code-share with United Airlines
  • More than 100 destinations in alliance with Avianca

South Africa

  • No flights (contact us for more information)

General

TACA (Transportes Aéreos del Continente Americano (Air Transport of the American Continent) is a conglomerate carrier service based in South and Central America. TACA consists of a number of airlines, and they are:

  • TACA International (El Salvador)
  • TACA Perú (Peru)
  • Aviateca (Guatemala)
  • Regional
  • Regional – La Costeña
  • Lacsa (Costa Rica)
  • SANSA (Costa Rica)
  • Islena Airlines (Honduras)
  • Nicaragüense de Aviación (Nicaragua)

In 2010 TACA merged with Avianca, with TACA proceeding as the subsidiary of Avianca.

TACA services about 50 destinations internationally but they are all in the Americas (both North and South) and the Caribbean.

 

TACA | Travelflight

TACA Embraer jet. The jet is made in Brazil.

 

TACA has scooped several awards in recent times, and was the winner of the following Skytrax titles in both 2009 and 2010:

  • Best Airline Central America
  • Best Regional Airline
  • Best Cabin Staff Central America and the Caribbean

Trying to describe the cabin service and classes of TACA is not as easy as with other airlines because one is dealing with several different carriers under the same trade name. In general, however, TACA provides two cabin classes:

  • Business class
  • Tourist (Economy) class

Bookings can be made on the main TACA website. Catering in either class depends on the duration of the flight. Business class comes with more spacious seating and access to VIP Lounges.

The frequent flyer program is called LifeMiles.

TACA operates a fleet of 40 aircraft with more than 50 more on order. With the exception of the 13 Embraer 190s, they are all Airbus models. An interesting addition is the order for two Airbus A330-200s, which once in service will be the only wide-bodied aircraft in the main passenger fleet. TACA also uses ATR-42, Short SD360, Twin Otter and Cesna Grand Caravan aircraft in regional flights in Central America.

However, due to the merger with Avianca, the total Avianca-TACA fleet consists of more than 120 planes. Seen together, the Avianca-TACA enterprise has recently engaged in a massive fleet expansion program which involves the ordering of 161 Airbus A320 models. According to a senior company official, this expansion is aimed at providing more passenger capacity and more flights on existing routes (due to market demand) and is not a fleet replacement exercise. The new planes are to be used for the short and medium-haul routes.