TAME: The Rise and Fall of Transportes Aéreos Militares Ecuatorianos
Founded with a dual purpose of national service and military training, Transportes Aéreos Militares Ecuatorianos (TAME) served as a cornerstone of Ecuadorian aviation for nearly six decades. From its origins as a military-operated entity to its transition into a state-owned company, TAME connected the remote reaches of the Andes and the Amazon with the rest of the world.
The Early Years and Military Foundations
TAME was established on December 17, 1962, by Colonels Luis A. Ortega and Guillermo Freile Posso. The airline was created to fulfill three primary objectives for the Ecuadorian Air Force: generating a source of income, providing essential governmental transport to remote and difficult-to-reach regions of Ecuador, and serving as a training ground for pilots.
The airline's operational journey began on December 4, 1962, with inaugural flights conducted in the Douglas C-47. These early flights were crewed by majors and noncommissioned officers, the latter of whom served as flight attendants. The first commercial route, flown by Teodoro Malo, linked Quito with Esmeraldas, Bahía, Manta, Guayaquil, and Cuenca before returning to the capital.
Over the following years, TAME expanded its fleet to include DC-3 and DC-6 aircraft, followed by the acquisition of two HS-748 Avro planes in 1970.
International Expansion and Fleet Growth
By April 30, 1966, TAME transitioned from a domestic carrier to an international one, launching regular flights to Havana, Panama, and Santiago de Chile. To support this growth, the airline acquired four Lockheed L-188 Electras from Ecuatoriana de Aviación.
The late 1970s and 1980s marked a period of modernization with the introduction of jet aircraft. TAME added three Boeing 727-100s, followed by four Boeing 727-200s between the mid-1980s and 1992. In 1986, the fleet was further bolstered by three Fokker F28 Fellowship 4000s, and by December 1998, the airline leased a Boeing 757-200.
Strategic partnerships also played a role in TAME's development. In December 1992, the "Frontier Integration Agreement" between Ecuador and Colombia established a route connecting Quito, Esmeraldas (Tachina), and Cali. Additionally, in 1995, TAME operated flights from Quito to Bogotá specifically for Air France passengers.
Modernization and the 2000s
The turn of the millennium brought a comprehensive fleet renewal process. In 2000, TAME retired its Boeing 727s and began leasing two Airbus A320s, which were delivered from the European Corporation Assemble factory in Toulouse. To meet specific regional needs, the airline also acquired two Embraer 170s and one Embraer 190.
The renewal process concluded in 2008 with the acquisition of an Airbus A319 and the replacement of the original A320s. A significant shift in governance occurred in 2011 when TAME changed its legal status to a state-owned company, officially moving out from under the administration of the Ecuadorian Air Force.
Final Expansions and Liquidation
In 2013, TAME attempted to reach the North American market by incorporating an Airbus A330-200, previously operated by Emirates, for flights to New York City. Simultaneously, the airline expanded its reach into the jungle via its subsidiary, TAME Amazonía, utilizing three Quest Kodiak aircraft for Amazonian routes.
Despite these efforts, the airline faced mounting financial struggles. On May 19, 2020, the Ecuadorian government decided to liquidate TAME, ceasing all operations. The airline cited the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as a compounding factor in its ultimate collapse.
Key Facts
- Founded: December 17, 1962, by Colonels Luis A. Ortega and Guillermo Freile Posso.
- Original Purpose: Income generation, remote transport, and pilot training for the Air Force.
- First Aircraft: Douglas C-47.
- International Debut: April 30, 1966 (Havana, Panama, and Santiago de Chile).
- Legal Shift: Became a state-owned company in 2011, separating from the Air Force.
- Closure: Operations ceased on May 19, 2020, due to liquidation.
| Era | Key Aircraft Models | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | Douglas C-47, DC-3, DC-6 | Domestic and early international routes |
| 1970s - 1990s | Boeing 727, Lockheed L-188, Fokker F28 | Regional expansion and jet modernization |
| 2000s - 2010s | Airbus A319, A320, A330, Embraer 170/190 | Fleet renewal and long-haul flights (NYC) |
| Subsidiary | Quest Kodiak | Amazonian regional connectivity |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was TAME originally created?
TAME was founded to provide the Ecuadorian Air Force with a source of income, a means to transport government services to remote areas of the country, and a facility to train pilots.
When did TAME start flying internationally?
TAME began regular international flights on April 30, 1966, serving destinations including Panama, Havana, and Santiago de Chile.
What was TAME Amazonía?
TAME Amazonía was a subsidiary of the main airline that used Quest Kodiak aircraft to provide air connectivity to routes within the Ecuadorian Amazon.
How did TAME's management change over time?
For nearly 50 years, TAME was administered by the Ecuadorian Air Force. In 2011, its legal status was changed to a state-owned company, ending military administration.
What led to the closure of TAME?
The Ecuadorian government decided to liquidate the airline on May 19, 2020. While the airline had been struggling for several years, it stated that the COVID-19 pandemic worsened its financial difficulties.