LATAM Airlines, the largest operator of Boeing 787s in Latin America, has added to its modern fleet by ordering 10 more Boeing 787 Dreamliners. LATAM now aims to grow its fleet to 52 Dreamliners by 2030, with options to add five more in the future. Known for its fuel efficiency, the Boeing 787 helps the airline strengthen its commitment to sustainable growth.
LATAM currently operates 37 Boeing 787-8s and 787-9s. With this expansion, the airline plans to increase its capacity on popular routes and launch new routes, such as its nonstop service to Sydney, Australia. Ramiro Alfonsín, Chief Financial Officer of LATAM Airlines Group, expressed the airline’s vision, stating, “The Boeing 787 is a much more efficient aircraft, allowing us to continue growing sustainably while reducing our carbon footprint as we drive the growth of our operations. This order will enable us to receive at least two aircraft of this model each year from 2025 until the end of the decade.”
Enhanced Fuel Efficiency and Emission Reductions
The Boeing 787 family stands out for its fuel efficiency, offering a 25% reduction in fuel use and emissions compared to the planes they replace. The 787-9 model, which LATAM has chosen for this new order, extends both the range and capacity of the Dreamliner family, accommodating more passengers and cargo over longer distances.
Boeing’s Commercial Sales Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mike Wilson, acknowledged LATAM’s choice, saying, “We appreciate LATAM’s continued confidence in the 787 Dreamliner family to further expand its international network from hubs in Santiago, Sao Paulo, and Lima. As demand for air travel rises, we will continue to support LATAM’s growth strategy and goal of connecting Latin America with the world.”
Boeing’s 2024 Commercial Market Outlook anticipates rapid expansion in Latin American air travel, with the number of passengers expected to more than double in the next two decades, growing at a rate of 5% per year. This increase in demand will drive the need for approximately 2,300 new airplanes in the region by 2043, pushing Latin America’s total fleet size to over 3,000 aircraft.
Since its introduction in 2011, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has facilitated over 400 new nonstop routes globally and helped reduce carbon emissions by more than 173 billion pounds. LATAM’s strategic investment in these advanced jets aligns with both environmental goals and the rising demand for air travel in Latin America. By expanding its fleet with these aircraft, LATAM aims to meet the growing connectivity needs across the region and beyond, all while adhering to sustainable practices.
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