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TAME Airlines ceased operations in 2020. Click on the logos below to see airlines that operate similar routes to TAME.
Unfortunately, TAME has ceased operations.
TAME Airlines ceased operations in 2020 and is no longer flying. Please take a look at the alternative airlines above that operate similar flights to TAME.
About TAME Airlines
TAME Airlines (TAME EP Linea Aerea del Ecuador) was an airline founded in Ecuador in 1962. It was Ecuador's flag carrier and operated domestic, international and charter flights. TAME's main hub was in Quito, Ecuador, where it boasted a fleet of several aircraft including Airbus A330s and Quest Kodiaks.
TAME Airlines began its journey as Transportes Aereos Militares Ecuatorianos (Ecuadorian Military Air Transport) in 1962, founded by the Ecuadorian Air Force. It initially served remote and challenging areas within Ecuador, supporting government transport and pilot training.
TAME gradually built out its fleet and services, becoming a vital part of Ecuador's domestic route network. In the 1980s, it embraced the jet age by acquiring Boeing 727s. In 2011, it transitioned from a military entity to a fully commercial airline, dubbed TAME EP Linea Aerea del Ecuador. In its golden age, TAME operated domestic and international flights, connecting Ecuador to destinations like New York, Miami and Bogota.
Unfortunately, its golden age didn't last long. TAME experienced many hurdles including financial difficulties, growing competition and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ecuadorian government made the difficult decision to liquidate TAME Airlines in May 2020, marking the end of an era.
Former Destinations
TAME offered a diverse range of destinations before ceasing operations in 2020, catering to both domestic and international travel needs.
Domestic Destinations
Major cities:
Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, Manta, Portoviejo, Esmeraldas, Machala, Latacunga, Ambato, Loja, Macas, Coca, Galápagos Islands (Baltra Island)
Smaller towns and regional hubs:
Salinas, La Tola, Tulcán, Macuma, Quevedo, Zumba, Lago Agrio, Zamora, San Cristóbal Island (Galapagos)
International Destinations
North America:
New York City, Miami, Fort Lauderdale
South America:
Bogotá (Colombia)
Baggage Allowance
Carry-on Baggage
One piece of carry-on baggage:
Standard dimensions of 55x35x25 cm (21.7x13.8x9.8 in) and weight limit of 10 kg (22 lbs).
One personal item:
Purse, laptop bag, camera bag, or similar, with reasonable dimensions.
Checked Baggage
Domestic flights: One piece with a maximum weight of 23 kg (50 lbs).
International flights: Two pieces allowed, each with a maximum weight of 23 kg (50 lbs).
Exceptions: Infants (under 2 years) were generally entitled to one checked bag of 15 kg (33 lbs) for most routes, except from/through the USA where it was 23 kg (50 lbs).
Check-In Information
Online Check-In
- Available 24 to 3 hours before scheduled departure for most flights (excluding Galapagos Islands and USA routes).
- Passengers could choose their seats, print boarding passes, and avoid airport queues.
- Restrictions applied to special service requests, minors/infants traveling alone, and unconfirmed bookings.
Airport Check-In
- Check-in counters opened 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
- Valid travel documents (ID, passport), boarding pass (printed online or received at the counter), and baggage were required.
- Passengers with checked luggage proceeded to baggage drop-off counters.
- Security checks and boarding gate information followed.
Cabin Classes
TAME Airlines only offered one cabin class - Economy Class. However, it was a unique cabin class because it offered services to passengers holding TAME VIP memberships.
Economy Class
This formed the majority of seating on TAME flights and offered comfortable, standard airline amenities like:
- Reclining seats with varying levels of legroom depending on the aircraft type.
- In-flight entertainment options through personal screens or overhead monitors.
- Complimentary meals and beverages tailored to the flight duration and route.
- Standard baggage allowance and check-in procedures.
TAME VIP Membership
While not a separate cabin class, holding a TAME VIP membership did entitle passengers to some additional perks and services within the Economy cabin. These included:
- Priority boarding and check-in.
- Extra baggage allowance (usually one additional checked bag).
- Access to designated VIP lounges at select airports.
- Potential for seat upgrades based on availability.
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Hub Airport
Mariscal Sucre International Airport
Mariscal Sucre International Airport is an international airport serving Quito, Ecuador. It is currently the busiest airport in Ecuador and is colloquially known as Tababela Airport. The airport features two runways and is capable of handling large aircraft.
Before TAME ceased operations in 2020, it held a prominent position at Mariscal Sucre. It was the airport's largest domestic carrier, operating numerous flights to destinations across Ecuador.
The airport is now a hub for Avianca Ecuador and LATAM Ecuador.
Fleet
Before ceasing operations, TAME's fleet consisted of the following aircraft:
- 1 x Airbus A319-100
- 1 x Airbus A320-200
- 3 x ATR 42-500