In a bold move towards enhancing efficiency and sustainability, LATAM group has stepped up its game by placing orders for additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners and choosing GE Aerospace’s advanced GEnx engines to power them. This strategic decision introduces a new era of high performance and efficiency for the first South American airline group to adopt these engines.
With its latest order, LATAM group’s tally of Boeing 787 airplanes will soar to 46, marking a significant growth of 20 airplanes from its fleet before the pandemic struck. The move underscores the group’s unwavering commitment to maintaining one of the most modern and efficient fleets in South America, aligning with its ambition of achieving a carbon-neutral status by 2050.
“LATAM’s initiative is not just about fleet expansion—it’s about consciously choosing to operate with engines that redefine environmental commitment in aviation,” Ramiro Alfonsín, Chief Financial Officer of LATAM Airlines Group S.A., stated. “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”.
By embracing the acclaimed GEnx engines, LATAM group is setting a benchmark for sustainability in the long-range fleet expansion. “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,” Alfonsín elaborated.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a model synonymous with superior fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, is renowned for using 25% less fuel and producing 25% fewer emissions compared to the aircraft it replaces. “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,” remarked Mike Wilson, Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ vice president of Latin America and Caribbean Sales.
The GEnx engine’s reputation is bolstered by more than 50 million flight hours since its 2011 service inception, becoming the high-thrust engine of choice with a robust backlog. “GE Aerospace is pleased to welcome the LATAM Airlines Group to the GEnx engine family,” expressed Kathy MacKenzie, Vice President of GE Commercial Programs. “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.”
LATAM group currently boasts a formidable fleet of 332 aircraft, comprising 56 Boeing passenger aircraft and 256 Airbus aircraft, along with 20 cargo planes. This latest move emphasizes the airline’s commitment to technological advancement and sustainable growth in the global aviation landscape.
