This article is published in Aviation Daily part of Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN), and is complimentary through Jun 13, 2026. For information on becoming an AWIN Member to access more content like this, click here.
(L-R) LATAM Airlines Brazil President Jerome Cadier and LATAM Airlines Group CEO Roberto Alvo
RIO DE JANEIRO—LATAM Airlines Group plans to unveil new destinations for its Embraer E195-E2s by the end of July as it prepares for first deliveries in the fourth quarter of this year.
The President of LATAM Airlines Brazil, Jerome Cadier, revealed that timeframe during the IATA AGM, saying the aircraft allow LATAM to both open new destinations and improve the overall product, adding frequencies in existing narrowbody markets.
Joining Cadier, LATAM Airlines Group CEO Roberto Alvo said the initial 24 E2s are pegged for deployment in Brazil, where LATAM currently holds a 40% domestic market share. South America’s largest airline group also has options for 50 aircraft. He explained South America has 200 cities with 200,000-500,000 residents, with half of those markets in Brazil. Those cities have roughly 1/10th of the trips per capita as the continent’s large cities, and while many larger cities have high levels of connectivity, that’s not the case for smaller markets.
Previously, LATAM stated the aircraft are slated to be based in Sao Paulo Guarulhos, Brasilia and Fortaleza. Cadier said the E2s won’t spur radical network changes for LATAM, noting the carrier’s Brazilian network continues to grow, expanding from 40 destinations prior to the COVID-19 pandemic to 62 cities today.
LATAM’s next fleet evolution occurs when the airline takes delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR in 2027. Alvo reiterated previous comments that an initial deployment of the aircraft from the company’s Lima hub remains in question due to “current circumstances,” referring to a connection fee instituted in Lima for international travelers. LATAM’s CEO also mentioned Brasilia and Fortaleza as launching points for the aircraft.
As it focuses on deploying its E2s and A321XLRs during the next couple of years, LATAM also has 18 Boeing 787s on order, scheduled for delivery by the end of the decade. Alvo said the company was pleased with the size and range of the aircraft. The airline group has nine 767s based at its Lima hub, and a priority is to replace those aircraft towards the end of the decade. Alvo stated the 787s could perform those missions.
Overall, Alvo said LATAM’s biggest priority from a fleet perspective over the next couple of years is ensuring its aircraft on order are delivered on time. Although he cited progress at Boeing, he also said LATAM hasn’t received a single 787 on time during the last several years.
Related Content
