South America’s major carrier, LATAM Airlines Group, has placed an order for 10 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with an option for five additional aircraft.
This strategic investment strengthens LATAM’s position as the region’s biggest 787 operator. It further advances the Groups’s commitment to operating one of Latin America’s most modern fleets.
The airline, formed through the historic 2012 merger between Chile’s LAN Airlines and Brazil’s TAM Airlines, already flies 37 Dreamliners, including both 787-8 and 787-9 models.
With this new purchase, LATAM plans to operate 52 of these aircraft by 2030. The 787’s impressive capabilities have allowed LATAM to enhance its route network. This has included launching direct flights to Sydney, Australia, marking a significant expansion of its long-haul services.
LATAM Widebody Fleet Expansion
“This advanced aircraft significantly improves our efficiency,” explains LATAM Airlines Group CFO Ramiro Alfonsín. “We’ll receive at least two new 787s annually from 2025 through 2030, supporting our sustainable growth goals while reducing environmental impact.”
This acquisition supports LATAM’s broader strategy of fleet modernization and network optimization following its successful emergence from Chapter 11 restructuring in late 2022.
The 787 family stands out for its exceptional fuel performance, cutting both fuel consumption and emissions by 25% compared to previous models.
The 787-9 variant offers enhanced range and passenger capacity within the Dreamliner series. This makes it particularly well-suited for LATAM’s diverse route network, which spans South America, North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Current Network
LATAM Airlines Group, headquartered in Santiago, Chile, operates one of South America’s most extensive networks, serving over 144 destinations in 22 countries.
The airline maintains major hubs in Santiago, São Paulo, Lima, and Bogota, facilitating both regional and international connectivity. The addition of new Dreamliners will further strengthen these strategic hubs and enable route expansion.
Mike Wilson, Boeing’s vice president of Commercial Sales for Latin America and the Caribbean, welcomes the deal.
“LATAM’s ongoing trust in the 787 Dreamliner helps expand their international reach from Santiago, Sao Paulo, and Lima hubs. We’re committed to supporting their growth and global connectivity goals.”
Since its 2011 launch, the 787 Dreamliner has enabled airlines to create over 400 new nonstop routes while eliminating more than 173 billion pounds of carbon emissions.
For LATAM, the aircraft’s efficiency and range capabilities are crucial as the airline continues to develop its long-haul network and compete with other major global carriers.
Latin American Market Outlook
Boeing’s 2024 Commercial Market Outlook predicts Latin American air travel will grow 5% annually, more than doubling in the next two decades.
The region’s aircraft fleet is expected to surpass 3,000 planes by 2043, with nearly 2,300 new deliveries anticipated.
LATAM’s investment in the 787 positions the airline to capitalize on this projected growth while maintaining its leadership position in the Latin American aviation market.
The new Dreamliners will complement LATAM’s existing fleet of over 300 aircraft, which includes Boeing and Airbus models.
This mixed fleet strategy allows the airline to optimize aircraft deployment across its diverse network, from short regional routes to long-haul international services.
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