LATAM Eyes New Aircraft Order

Embraer could continue enjoying its success throughout 2024 as LATAM considers purchasing jets from the planemaker.

According to the Ports and Airports Minister of Brazil, the Brazilian manufacturer is reportedly in talks to supply up to 30 aircraft to LATAM as part of efforts to grow the economy.

Latin America remains one of the most competitive spaces globally, and LATAM knows it needs to continue evolving to remain one of the biggest in the region.

One of the company’s biggest constraints is persistent struggles regarding aircraft delivery delays from the likes of Airbus and Boeing, a worldwide problem.

Embraer has stated on several occasions that it believes it has one advantage over competitor manufacturers: a better ability to deliver planes on time.

Aside from delivering planes on time, Embraer also knows it has far more attractive delivery slots for customers. Unlike other single-aisle aircraft, these delivery slots come sooner, which are seeing their respective programmes sell out through the 2030s.

Furthermore, Embraer is local for LATAM, and the belief is that if an order could be struck, the airline would support the Brazilian manufacturer, fostering greater trade and economic ties in the region.

However, Embraer will have its work cut out for it. The airline isn’t just looking at Embraer to power future regional connectivity; the rival A220 from Airbus is also mentioned.

The A220 has been a basket case for Airbus, with the manufacturer publicly stating its frustrations with the type over recent years and its loss-making nature.

Despite these obvious frustrations, Airbus still knows the aircraft remains incredibly important in the 150-seat market and for fostering greater regional connectivity with substantial levels of efficiency.

If LATAM were to order Embraer planes, it would move away from the typical fleet composition and away from the single-aisle Airbus jets that are already featured, offering greater diversification.