Air TransportLATAM Group orders up to 74 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft
LATAM Group has confirmed on Monday an order for up to 74 Embraer E195-E2 jets, comprising 24 firm deliveries and 50 purchase options, with deliveries slated to begin in the second half of 2026.
The aircraft will initially be deployed by LATAM Airlines Brasil as part of a broader strategy to strengthen regional and domestic operations.
Valued at approximately US$2.1 billion for the firm order, the investment is expected to support an increase of up to 35 new destinations in the group’s network, which currently covers 160 cities across its affiliates.
LATAM’s current fleet totals 362 aircraft, predominantly Airbus and Boeing models, and the new Embraer jets will introduce additional flexibility to the company’s operations.
According to LATAM CEO Roberto Alvo, the expanded fleet is intended to increase connectivity and contribute to economic development.
“Over the past four years, LATAM group has focused on expanding its domestic and regional network, creating the most comprehensive and seamless way of travelling within South America. LATAM group’s decision is based on the excellent economics and versatility of the Embraer E195-E2, which will allow us to continue on our path of profitable growth by enhancing that connectivity through the opening of new destinations, allowing our passengers to have even more options and bringing communities closer, boosting also economic and social development”, said Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group.
Embraer’s CEO Francisco Gomes Neto noted the E195-E2’s fit for LATAM’s network expansion goals. The investment follows LATAM’s financial policy and supports the company’s focus on consolidating its presence in South America.
“This strategic partnership with LATAM group reflects the airline’s requirement for the most efficient and best-suited aircraft to complement its fleet and support its next chapter of growth in South America. The E195-E2 will allow LATAM affiliates to connect more destinations with the right capacity, while offering passengers superior comfort. We are extremely proud that the LATAM group has made the best choice to advance the region’s connectivity and for the future we will build together”, said Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Embraer.
Order awaited for years
LATAM’s announcement puts an end to long-awaited E2 jet sales to a South American airline other than Azul.
The Chilean group has always been a tough nut to crack for Embraer, whose aircraft often clashed with Airbus’ philosophy of maintaining a standardized fleet of single-aisle jets.
But LATAM has been shifting its strategy and, instead of focusing solely on high-density routes, has been expanding its network to smaller destinations.
The change marks increased competition with Azul, known for its extensive network.
Another factor that may have played a role is the difficulty in receiving new aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, whose deliveries are delayed.
The E195-E2 order will also complement the operation of Airbus A319s, older and less efficient aircraft, which are expected to remain in the fleet for some time as they are undergoing cabin retrofits.
LATAM has yet to reveal how it will configure its Embraers. If it follows its rival’s example, there will be 132 to 136 seats in a single-class layout. The rapid arrival of the fleet was surprising, given that there is still a long training process ahead.
It’s worth noting that TAM, from which LATAM emerged when it merged with LAN Chile, previously flew Embraer aircraft—the EMB-110 Bandeirante, pioneering turboprops used from 1976 onwards and inherited from VASP.
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