LATAM Brasil About to Order of Up to 30 Embraer E-Jet Aircraft Amid Expansion Plans
LATAM Brasil, the Brazilian arm of the LATAM Airlines Group, is reportedly considering a significant fleet expansion with the potential purchase of up to 30 Embraer aircraft. This move marks a strategic shift as the airline explores new opportunities for growth.
Exploring Fleet Expansion
LATAM Brasil, originally known as TAM Linhas Aéreas before merging with LAN Chile in 2012, has a long history of operating a mixed fleet of Airbus narrowbodies and both Airbus and Boeing widebodies. At one point, it was the only South American carrier to operate the Airbus A350. Currently, LATAM Airlines Group operates a diverse fleet of Airbus narrowbodies and Boeing widebodies but is now looking to diversify further.
According to a recent Reuters report, LATAM Brasil is close to finalizing a deal to purchase up to 30 Embraer E2 jets, the latest generation of Embraer’s regional aircraft. This information was confirmed by Brazil’s Ports and Airports Minister, Silvio Costa Filho, who stated that he had discussed the airline’s expansion plans with LATAM CEO Roberto Alvo and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The Brazilian government has been actively working with Embraer and Azul Linhas Aéreas to provide financial support, encouraging LATAM Brasil to consider Brazilian-made aircraft. The push for Embraer aircraft is particularly appealing due to the manufacturer’s smaller backlog compared to Boeing and Airbus. However, LATAM is also evaluating the Airbus A220 as part of its fleet expansion strategy.
Airline’s Perspective
Jerome Cadier, CEO of LATAM Brasil, recently confirmed that the airline is considering both Embraer’s E2 aircraft and the Airbus A220. These aircraft would be a new addition to the airline’s current fleet, which consists primarily of Airbus A320 family jets, alongside Boeing 777 and 787 widebodies. Cadier emphasized that LATAM Brasil is constantly assessing opportunities for growth, especially in light of recent challenges posed by the grounding of some Airbus aircraft due to issues with Pratt & Whitney engines.
Current Fleet Overview
According to the ch-aviation database, LATAM Brasil currently operates a fleet of 160 aircraft, with an additional two planes on order. Recent deliveries have brought the average age of the fleet down to 8.9 years. Of the 160 aircraft, 21 are Boeing widebodies.
Here’s a breakdown of the current fleet:
- Airbus A319: 19
- Airbus A320ceo: 57
- Airbus A320neo: 18
- Airbus A321: 31
- Airbus A321neo: 14
- Boeing 777-300ER: 10
- Boeing 787-9: 11
The A319 is the oldest subfleet, with an average age of 14.8 years, while the A321neo is the youngest, averaging just 0.6 years.
In 2021, LATAM announced the retirement of its entire Airbus A350 fleet, which had been grounded during the COVID-19 pandemic. The A350s had a relatively short operational life in Brazil, with the first aircraft delivered in 2015 and the fleet’s retirement beginning in 2020. LATAM Brasil was the only South American operator of the A350 at the time, and while Azul Linhas Aéreas briefly operated two of the type, they were quickly phased out.
As LATAM Brasil considers its next steps, the potential acquisition of Embraer E2 jets could mark a significant shift in the airline’s fleet strategy, reflecting both domestic manufacturing support and a response to evolving market demands.
Related news: https://airguide.info/?s=latam, https://airguide.info/?s=Embraer
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, embraer.com, simpleflying.com