LATAM predicts surge in international, Brazilian, SSC capacity in 2018

LATAM Airlines Group plans to revive domestic capacity growth in its Spanish-speaking country (SSC) affiliates in 2018, projecting a 6%-8% rise in ASK growth for the sector following a [0%] halt in capacity growth during 2017. The company made its projections in preliminary guidance for 2018 released Jan 5 The airline group estimates the group will see 5%-7% company-wide capacity growth for full-year 2018, up significantly over the 1% capacity growth the company maintained in 2017. The company is estimating its full-year 2018 operating margin will be in the 7.5%-9.5% range, a 1.5 point rise over the company’s projected 2017 operating margin range of 6%-8%. LATAM’s international capacity will grow an estimated 6%-8%, a 3 point rise from 4% growth in 2017. <br/>