LATAM Airlines Boosts Fleet with A321neo Aircraft from Airbus
In a significant move to bolster its fleet and support regional growth, LATAM Airlines has taken delivery of its inaugural A321neo aircraft, leased from AerCap. The airline has further demonstrated its commitment to expansion by ordering an additional 13 A321neo aircraft.
LATAM Airlines Boosts Fleet with A321neo Aircraft from Airbus
In a significant move to bolster its fleet and support regional growth, LATAM Airlines has taken delivery of its inaugural A321neo aircraft, leased from AerCap. The airline has further demonstrated its commitment to expansion by ordering an additional 13 A321neo aircraft. This delivery marks the beginning of a substantial backlog, with 76 A321neo aircraft committed and 111 A320 Family aircraft slated for future delivery to LATAM.
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The A321neo delivered to LATAM boasts a seating capacity for up to 224 passengers. A notable feature of the aircraft is Airbus' Airspace XL bins, which offer a 40% surge in storage space. This enhancement facilitates the accommodation of 60% more carry-on bags, promising a smoother boarding experience for passengers and cabin crews. In a nod to sustainability, the aircraft was fueled with 49% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for its journey to its home base.
Ramiro Alfonsín, Chief Financial Officer of LATAM Airlines Group, commented on the airline's strategic direction, stating, “Our fleet renewal and modernization strategy aligns seamlessly with our sustainability objectives, propelling us towards our ambition of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Our focus remains on integrating next-generation aircraft into our fleet, optimizing connectivity while prioritizing environmental stewardship.”
Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International, thanked LATAM for their continued partnership. He emphasized the A321neo's environmental benefits, noting that the aircraft is "at least 20% more fuel-efficient, emitting 20% less CO2 and 50% less noise than its predecessors."
The A321neo is the flagship member of Airbus' A320 Family, renowned for its market coverage and cost-efficiency. Over 5,200 A321neos have been ordered globally, underscoring its popularity among airlines.
LATAM Airlines Group, a dominant force in Latin America's aviation sector, operates in five regional domestic markets: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The group also has a significant international footprint, spanning Europe, Oceania, the U.S., and the Caribbean. Currently, LATAM operates 240 Airbus aircraft, making it the leading Airbus operator in Latin America. Earlier in July, LATAM added an Airbus A320neo to its fleet, marking the first delivery powered by 30% SAF.
Airbus has made significant inroads in the Latin American and Caribbean markets, selling over 1,150 aircraft. Over 750 Airbus aircraft are operational in the region, with an order backlog exceeding 520 units. Airbus has captured 75% of net orders in the area since 1994.
In its commitment to sustainability, Airbus pioneered using SAF for delivery flights in 2016. Both aircraft and helicopters departing from Airbus delivery centers are fueled with SAF, a critical component in the global push for reduced emissions.
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