Boeing and LATAM Airlines Group, South America’s foremost passenger and cargo airline group, have announced the purchase of ten additional 787 Dreamliners, with options for a further five aircraft. This investment strengthens LATAM’s position as the largest operator of 787s in the region
Currently, LATAM operates a fleet of 37 Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft. With this new order, the airline plans to expand its Dreamliner fleet to 52 aircraft by 2030. The advanced fuel efficiency and capacity of the 787-9 jets enable LATAM to optimise passenger loads on high-demand routes and explore new direct routes, including its recent nonstop service to Sydney, Australia. Mike Wilson, Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Sales for Latin America and the Caribbean, expressed gratitude for LATAM’s ongoing trust in the 787 family, saying, “We appreciate LATAM’s continued confidence in the 787 Dreamliner family to further expand its international network from hubs in Santiago, São Paulo and Lima.” He added that Boeing is dedicated to supporting LATAM’s expansion goals as global air travel demand continues to grow.
Since its launch in 2011, the 787 Dreamliner has played a crucial role in opening more than 400 new direct routes globally and has helped reduce carbon emissions by over 173 billion pounds. Boeing’s 2024 Commercial Market Outlook anticipates that air travel in Latin America will more than double over the next two decades, with an expected annual growth rate of 5%. The region’s fleet is projected to grow from nearly 2,300 aircraft to over 3,000 by 2043, underscoring the significance of LATAM’s latest investment as it positions itself to meet this rising demand and expand its international network.
