LATAM Airlines Group and its affiliates announced an agreement with Embraer with plans to expand connectivity across South America, supported by the acquisition of up to 74 Embraer E195-E2 narrowbody aircraft.
LATAM Embraer E195-E2 over San Palo, Rendering, Embraer
The order includes 24 firm deliveries and 50 purchase options. Deliveries of the firm aircraft will start in the second half of 2026, initially for LATAM Airlines Brazil and potentially later for other LATAM group affiliates.
The new fleet will enhance flexibility across the LATAM group’s hubs, enabling the group to serve additional destinations and expand travel options for customers. The firm order for 24 aircraft is valued at approximately US$2.1 billion at list prices, fitting within LATAM’s current fiscal policy.
Whilst no configuration has been discussed, both Embraer and LATAM have highlighted the 2-2 cabin layout as a passenger experience benefit, with a capacity of between 120 and 146 seats, depending on configuration.
In Quotes
Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, said:
“Over the past four years, LATAM group has focused on expanding its domestic and regional network, creating the most comprehensive and seamless way of travelling within South America. LATAM group’s decision is based on the excellent economics and versatility of the Embraer E195-E2, which will allow us to continue on our path of profitable growth by enhancing that connectivity through the opening of new destinations, allowing our passengers to have even more options and bringing communities closer, boosting also economic and social development”,
Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Embraer, added:
“This strategic partnership with LATAM group reflects the airline’s requirement for the most efficient and best-suited aircraft to complement its fleet and support its next chapter of growth in South America. The E195-E2 will allow LATAM affiliates to connect more destinations with the right capacity, while offering passengers superior comfort. We are extremely proud that the LATAM group has made the best choice to advance the region’s connectivity and for the future we will build together”
Current fleet position
LATAM Embraer E195-E2 over Santiago, Rendering, Embraer
The E195-E2s will join LATAM group’s fleet of 362 aircraft, which currently includes 283 Airbus narrow-bodies (A319, A320, A321, A320ne0, Airbus A321neo), 3 Airbus wide-bodies under short-term lease, 56 Boeing wide-bodies (Boeing 767-300ER, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 787-8 and Boeing 787-9), and 20 Boeing freighters.
Since 2021, the LATAM Group has expanded its network from 129 to 160 passenger destinations – a 24% increase, as it seeks to grow its network.
This will mark the first time that LATAM has chosen to go near-domestic for its fleet, with the aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines to aid efficiency.
It’s certainly not unknown for Embraer aircraft to operate within Brazil and South America (with Azul being a prolific operator of the type), so the initial order of 24 aircraft will be very welcome to Embraer – although your author suspects they’ll be chasing to convert the 50 options into a firm order in the future.
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