LATAM Airlines, a major player in the aviation industry, announced on Wednesday that it has expanded its fleet by ordering five more Boeing 787s. These widebody aircraft are designed for long-distance travel or flights requiring a larger passenger capacity, making them a valuable addition to LATAM's existing lineup.
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In a joint press release with Boeing and engine manufacturer GE, LATAM did not disclose the specific model of the 787 they ordered. However, they did hint at the 787-9, which is one of the more popular models due to its substantial carrying capacity.
The new aircraft will be equipped with GE's GEnX engines, marking LATAM as the pioneering airline in South America to utilize this technology. This is a significant shift from LATAM's current Dreamliners, which are powered by Rolls-Royce's Trent 1000 turbofans. Notably, several of these planes faced grounding in 2018 due to durability concerns.
Ramiro Alfonsin, the CFO of LATAM, expressed in the statement that the expansion of the Boeing 787 fleet would enable the airline to operate with two distinct engine models. Both models are recognized for their advanced technology and minimal environmental impact, offering a complementary operation strategy for the airline. The financial details of the order, including the total cost, were not disclosed in the statement. This announcement comes after LATAM successfully navigated through bankruptcy proceedings related to the pandemic last year, emerging with a robust $8 billion reorganization plan. With an anticipated increase in passenger numbers and a decreasing debt burden, LATAM is projecting record earnings by 2024.