Boeing reported some welcome news regarding aircraft orders, with LATAM Airlines Group buying 10 new 787-9 Dreamliners and booking options for five more 787 as part of the fleet expansion plan for the regional carrier. LATAM is one of the largest airline groups in South America, with domestic service in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, and international routes throughout Latin America and to Europe, the U.S., the Caribbean, Oceania, and Africa.
Neither Boeing nor the customer reported the value of the new orders nor the delivery schedule. Based on list prices, the new purchase could be worth more than $3.7 billion if all the options are exercised.
The 787 Dreamliner is a long-range aircraft with carrying capacity for 210 to 330 passengers and developed to achieve greater fuel-efficiency for long-range service (7,565 nautical miles / 14,010km.) Boeing claims that the 787 consumes 25% less fuel and creates 25% fewer emissions than the aircraft they replace.
Boeing noted that the 787 will allow the airline to maximize capacity on popular routes and launch new routes – including nonstop service to Australia.
"The Boeing 787 is a much more efficient aircraft, allowing us to continue growing sustainably while reducing our carbon footprint as we drive the growth of our operations. This order will enable us to receive at least two aircraft of this model each year from 2025 until the end of the decade," according to Ramiro Alfonsín, LATAM’s chief financial officer.
At the present time LATAM operates 37 Dreamliners, including both 787-8 and 787-9 models. It ordered five 787 Dreamliners less than one year ago. Counting the latest order, LATAM is on track to have 52 787 Dreamliners in service by 2030.
