LATAM Group Orders 74 Embraer Jets to Expand Fleet
Chile-based LATAM Group has announced a significant order for up to 74 aircraft from Brazilian manufacturer Embraer. This deal includes 24 firm orders for the E195-E2 narrow-body jets, valued at approximately $2.1 billion at list prices, along with an option for an additional 50 planes. Deliveries are slated to commence in the second half of 2026, starting with LATAM Airlines Brazil, with potential operations by other subsidiaries within the group.
The latest expansion follows LATAM’s growth trajectory, having increased its passenger network from 129 to 160 destinations, marking a 24% increase since 2021. “Over the past four years, LATAM Group has focused on expanding its domestic and regional network,” stated Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group. He highlighted that the choice of Embraer’s E195-E2 aircraft was driven by its efficiency and versatility, which will bolster LATAM’s connectivity by facilitating the opening of new routes.
Founded in 1969, Embraer is a global aerospace leader based in Brazil, specializing in the manufacture of aircraft for various sectors, including commercial and executive aviation, defense, and agriculture. The company has delivered over 9,000 aircraft globally, with a plane taking off every ten seconds on average, serving more than 150 million passengers annually. Embraer is also recognized as Brazil’s foremost exporter of high-value manufactured goods and maintains operations across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
In emphasizing the partnership, Francisco Gomes Neto, president and CEO of Embraer, noted that this strategic alliance aligns with LATAM’s requirements for “efficient and suitable aircraft for its next phase of growth.” He indicated that these aircraft will enhance connectivity to new destinations while ensuring optimal capacity and passenger comfort.
The E195-E2 model, the largest in Embraer’s next-generation E-Jet family, stands out for its competitive per-seat costs, particularly in markets that may be oversupplied with larger aircraft. This model is also designed to consume up to 30% less fuel and boasts a 2-2 cabin layout, enhancing passenger comfort.
In terms of financial performance, LATAM reported total operating revenue of $13.03 billion in 2024, reflecting a 10.6% increase from the previous year. The airline ended the year with a net income of $977 million, nearly doubling its earnings from the prior year. This robust performance underscores LATAM’s ongoing recovery and growth in the competitive aviation market, driven in part by strategic investments such as the recent order from Embraer.
