It seems Boeing is getting in on the end-of-year ordering shenanigans, with LATAM Group planning to order additional Boeing 787 aircraft.
LATAM Group will sign for an additional five Boeing 787 Dreamliner family aircraft.
Combined with existing delivered (both in production and delivered) LATAM Group will operate a total of 46 Boeing 787 airplanes, making the carrier the largest operator of the typing South America.
This is an increase of 20 Boeing 787s, compared to pre-pandemic operations.
Additionally, LATAM group has decided to equip the next Boeing 787s it receives with GEnx engines by GE Aerospace, becoming the first airline in South America to have these engines known for their high performance and efficiency.
LATAM currently operates both the Boeing 787-8 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The group has not disclosed which varients the airline has ordered, although reading the release, it’s looking like the first stretch variant – the Boeing 787-9 is being added to the fleet.
In Quotes
Ramiro Alfonsín, LATAM Airlines Group S.A CFO, said:
“These actions are fully aligned with the commitment to sustainability and brings LATAM closer to the goal of becoming a carbon neutral group by 2050”,
“The incorporation of GEnx engines is a decision that provides greater flexibility and options for the expansion of the long-range fleet. Furthermore, increasing the Boeing 787 fleet size will allow the group to operate with two different engine models, known for their cutting-edge technology and reduced environmental impact, in a complementary way.”
Mike Wilson, vice president of Latin America and Caribbean Sales, at Boeing Commercial Airplanes adds:
“The 787 Dreamliner is perfectly suited to support LATAM group’s sustainability and operations goals with its exceptional performance, flexible route capability and enhanced passenger comfort”,
“We look forward to partnering with LATAM group as it connects Latin America with the world and makes a difference in the communities it serves.”
Kathy MacKenzie, Vice President, of GE Commercial Programs for GE Aerospace concludes:
“GE Aerospace is pleased to welcome the LATAM Airlines Group to the GEnx engine family,”
“As LATAM group continues to expand and grow its 787 Dreamliner fleet, we look forward to supporting their continued success every step of the way.”
Breath and Width
LATAM has been adjusting its fleet for some time, with them operating both Airbus and Boeing aircraft, as a result of the merger between LAN and TAM some years ago.
Although it has settled on a clear split of manufacturers and types, with LATAM Group using Airbus aircraft for single-aisle operations (such as the A319, A320, A321, A320neo and A321neo), whilst Boeing aircraft are used for wide-body operations (including the Boeing 767, 777-300ER and 787s
It seems it wishes to play to the strengths that having these families have in terms of training, crewing and rostering, as well as introducing different engine technologies to the mix.
Something new to look out for – that’s for sure.
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