In a bold move to solidify its leadership in Latin American aviation, LATAM Airlines Group has announced the acquisition of 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with options for five additional aircraft. This strategic order comes as LATAM continues its aggressive expansion plan to boost its widebody fleet and meet the increasing demand for international travel across its critical hubs in Santiago, São Paulo, and Lima.
As the region’s largest operator of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliners, LATAM’s latest investment marks a significant milestone in its journey toward sustainable growth. With this order, LATAM plans to increase its Dreamliner fleet to 52 by 2030, positioning the airline to maximize passenger capacity on popular routes and introduce new long-haul connections, including the highly anticipated nonstop service to Sydney, Australia.
Fuel-Efficiency and Environmental Commitment
The Boeing 787 family, known for its unmatched fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, is central to LATAM’s sustainability goals. The Dreamliner reduces fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the aircraft it replaces. This fuel efficiency aligns with LATAM’s broader commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while maintaining operational excellence.
“The Boeing 787 is a much more efficient aircraft, allowing us to continue growing sustainably while reducing our carbon footprint as we expand our operations,” stated Ramiro Alfonsín, Chief Financial Officer of LATAM Airlines Group. “This order will allow us to receive at least two aircraft each year starting from 2025 until the end of the decade, supporting our long-term growth objectives.”
With these new additions, LATAM aims to capitalize on the region’s growing demand for air travel. According to Boeing’s 2024 Commercial Market Outlook, Latin America’s air traffic is expected to double in the next 20 years, with annual growth projected at 5%. The forecast also predicts that nearly 2,300 new aeroplane deliveries will be needed to meet this demand, expanding the region’s total fleet to over 3,000 aircraft by 2043.
Boeing and LATAM’s Partnership
The close collaboration between Boeing and LATAM reflects the airline’s confidence in Boeing’s cutting-edge technology. The 787 Dreamliner, designed with extended capacity and range capabilities, has been instrumental in helping airlines like LATAM launch more than 400 new nonstop routes worldwide, further cementing their role as global connectors.
“We are thrilled to support LATAM’s continued expansion and their focus on sustainability through the 787 Dreamliner,” said Mike Wilson, Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Sales for Latin America and the Caribbean. “As demand for air travel rises, LATAM is well-positioned to meet the needs of passengers and cargo, all while reducing environmental impact.”
Looking Ahead
The future looks promising for LATAM Airlines Group as it embarks on this next chapter of fleet growth. By choosing the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, LATAM is preparing to meet rising market demand and committing to a sustainable future in aviation. The airline’s robust investment in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft underscores its determination to remain dominant in the global aviation landscape while minimizing its environmental footprint.
This order sets the stage for LATAM’s ongoing evolution as it looks to navigate the rapidly changing dynamics of international air travel and expand its reach across Latin America and beyond.
Written by: Christine Nguyen
