More Embraer in Brazil Skies: LATAM Places Landmark Order for up to 74 Embraer E195-E2 Jets

More Embraer in Brazil Skies: LATAM Places Landmark Order for up to 74 Embraer E195-E2 Jets

On September 22, 2025, LATAM Airlines Group announced an unprecedented strategic move for the Latin American market by signing an agreement with Embraer to acquire up to 74 E195-E2 jets. The order, which includes 24 firm units and 50 additional purchase options, marks the company's largest commitment to new-generation regional aircraft.

Deliveries of the 24 firm aircraft are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026, initially for LATAM Airlines Brazil, with the possibility of allocation to other group affiliates. Valued at approximately US$2.1 billion (list price), the investment aims to strengthen LATAM’s domestic and regional network, creating conditions to add up to 35 new destinations to the current 160 served.

Fleet Strategy: Greater Operational Flexibility

The announcement signals a significant shift in LATAM’s fleet profile, historically centered on Airbus narrow-bodies (A319, A320 and A321) and Boeing wide-bodies (B767, B777 and B787). The company currently operates 362 aircraft — 283 Airbus, 56 long-haul Boeings, 20 freighters and three temporarily leased wide-bodies — and is now adding regional jets with capacity for up to 146 passengers (depending on configuration).

Introducing the E195-E2 will expand LATAM’s reach into regional airports with intermediate demand, optimize operating costs and enable access to markets previously unviable with larger aircraft. According to LATAM, its regional hubs will be redesigned to fully leverage this flexibility.

Technological Efficiency and Environmental Impact

The Embraer E195-E2 is the second generation of the E-Jets family and delivers substantial performance improvements: up to 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared with the previous generation, state-of-the-art Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, refined aerodynamics and upgraded fly-by-wire controls. The 2-2 cabin layout removes the middle seat, enhancing passenger comfort, while the quieter cabin improves the onboard experience.

For Embraer, the agreement reinforces its position as the world leader in the up-to-150-seat segment and consolidates its strategic relevance in the Latin American market. “The E195-E2 will enable LATAM’s affiliates to connect more destinations with the right capacity while offering greater passenger comfort,” said Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Embraer.

Implications for the South American Market

Over the past four years, LATAM has steadily expanded its domestic and regional network — from 129 to 160 destinations — even in a fiercely competitive environment and following post-pandemic financial restructuring. The addition of the E195-E2 aligns with this growth, giving the group a product positioned between regional turboprops and larger narrow-body jets.

Industry analysts believe the decision could redefine connectivity patterns in South America, traditionally marked by vast distances and heavy traffic concentration in a few capitals. With the new fleet, LATAM will be able to offer more frequencies on established routes and open secondary markets, directly linking mid-sized cities and regional economic hubs.

Financial and Operational Sustainability

The group stated the acquisition complies with its current financial policy, which monitors leverage and liquidity metrics without requiring revisions. “LATAM’s decision is based on the Embraer E195-E2’s outstanding efficiency and versatility, which will allow us to continue our profitable growth trajectory, expanding connectivity through new destinations,” said Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group.

Brazil–Chile Strategic Convergence

For Embraer, the deal represents not only a commercial contract but also a symbolic milestone: Latin America’s largest airline acquiring the flagship product of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest aircraft manufacturer. The decision strengthens industrial and commercial ties between Brazil and Chile and signals deeper integration of the regional aerospace supply chain.

Next Steps

The plan calls for the first aircraft to enter service in 2026, coinciding with expected post-pandemic demand growth and the maturation of secondary markets. Adjustments in crew training, maintenance infrastructure and logistics are already underway to support the new fleet.

With this initiative, LATAM reinforces its strategy to be the most comprehensive operator in South America, while Embraer consolidates its position as the key supplier of advanced regional aircraft to the region’s largest air transport market.