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Ecuador's national carrier connecting the Andes and beyond.
Founded
1962
Headquarters
Quito, Ecuador
TAME (Transportes Aéreos Militares Ecuatorianos) was Ecuador's state-owned national airline, operating domestic and international routes for decades. Founded under military auspices, it served as the primary flag carrier connecting Ecuador's major cities including Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca, as well as destinations in South America and the United States.
The airline faced persistent financial difficulties throughout its history, struggling with debt, aging aircraft, and competition from private carriers. After years of losses and government bailout attempts, TAME suspended operations in May 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely accelerated its financial collapse.
Following the suspension of flights, TAME officially ceased operations and was liquidated, marking the end of Ecuador's long-standing national airline. Its routes were subsequently absorbed by private carriers operating within Ecuador.
Hubs & network
TAME operated primarily from Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito and José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil.
Fleet
TAME operated a mixed fleet that included Airbus A320 family aircraft and Embraer regional jets during its later years of operation.
Notable facts
- ›TAME was founded in 1962 under Ecuador's military as Transportes Aéreos Militares Ecuatorianos.
- ›The airline permanently suspended all operations in May 2020 due to financial insolvency worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- ›TAME operated domestic routes to remote Ecuadorian cities including those in the Amazon region not easily served by other carriers.
- ›The Ecuadorian government attempted multiple financial rescues of TAME before ultimately approving its liquidation.
- ›At its peak, TAME flew international routes to Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Cuba, and the United States.
This profile is provided for general information only. Contact details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airline's official website before acting on them.
