LATAM Airlines Group Get Initial Re-Engined Airliner

LATAM Airlines Group (LATAM) took delivery of its first A320neo – showcasing its white, indigo and coral livery and powered by Pratt & Whitney Pure Power PW1100-JM engines – on Monday, August 29, at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse. LATAM Airlines Brazil will become the first airline in North and South America, and the fifth operator in the world, to operate the ultra-fuel efficient aircraft type.

Executives from LATAM and Airbus attended a delivery ceremony, which also marked the delivery of LATAM’s fourth A350 XWB -- the first with the airline group’s new brand livery. LATAM was also the Americas’ first A350 XWB operator.

The aircraft is configured in a 174-seat layout with 18” wide seats and equipped with the innovative Space-Flex cabin configuration. LATAM was the first in Latin America to order the A320neo in 2011, shortly after the program was launched. The airline group has a total of 67 A320neo Family aircraft on order.

Initially, LATAM plans to fly its first A320neo on Brazilian domestic routes to Brasília, Belo Horizonte, Campo Grande, Curitiba, Florianópolis, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro (Galeão) and São Paulo (Guarulhos). In November, LATAM will begin to fly regional routes throughout South America. The second LATAM A320neo, to be delivered later this year, is also expected to operate regional flights. The airline group has more than 250 Airbus aircraft in operation.

“The A320 aircraft family has long served an important role in our fleet, supporting the operation of our unrivalled domestic and regional network in Latin America," said Enrique Cueto, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group. "With the latest in technology, efficiency and passenger comfort, the A320neo is a welcome addition and will help us to continue to offer one of the most modern and efficient fleets in the industry.”

“Over the years, Airbus and LATAM have grown together to become partners in building today’s dynamic aviation market in Latin America, which is why we are especially proud that the first A320neo in the Americas will be flying in LATAM livery,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. “We are certain that this aircraft will complement their existing fleet and further their success in the region.”

(Image provided with Airbus news release)

FMI: www.airbus.com