TAM just got official permission to begin operating flights to Madrid (seven flights per week) and Frankfurt (three flights per week). According to the company, the flights will be in operation before the end of the year.

This is spectacular news for those of us who’ve had to endure Iberia’s domination over the São Paulo – Madrid route. Since the disappearance of Varig, no other major airline flew to Madrid on a daily basis. I hope the new competition (with Varig joining the ranks soon) will force Iberia to get their act together – otherwise, if the Spanish carrier continues offering an abysmal standard of service, TAM will thrash it.

As new details emerge, you will be informed here at this blog.

The full news item can be read at Mercado e Eventos (in Portuguese). I heard the story first from Aquela Passagem!, by our super well-informed friend Rodrigo Purisch.