LATAM Airlines Group Formalizes Evaluation of Embraer and Airbus Jets for its Regional Fleet in Quarterly Report
South America's largest airline is looking for smaller planes for new routes, and two manufacturers are now competing for the major contract.
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LATAM Airlines Group has confirmed it is analyzing the acquisition of smaller aircraft to strengthen and expand its regional operations in South America. The news, which had been circulating behind the scenes in the industry, was formalized for the first time in the company's second-quarter 2025 financial results report, which explicitly mentions Embraer and Airbus as potential suppliers.
In the official document presented to its investors, the airline group stated it "is analyzing the acquisition of additional aircraft from various manufacturers and lessors. This includes additions to its wide-body and narrow-body aircraft fleet, the latter including aircraft from the A320 family, as well as other smaller jets from manufacturers such as Airbus and Embraer."
This move represents a potential strategic adjustment for LATAM, whose short and medium-haul fleet is currently composed exclusively of the Airbus A320 family. The incorporation of regional jets, such as the Embraer E-Jets E2 family or the Airbus A220, would allow the airline to operate lower-density routes more efficiently, opening up new destinations and increasing frequencies in existing markets.
The company emphasizes that "the main focus of these additions will be to serve and expand passenger transport in the region and cargo traffic in regional markets." This decision comes at a time of growth for the group, which added 12 new aircraft in the second quarter, including ten A320neos and one A321neo, and secured another 11 A320neo deliveries for 2026.
What You Need to Know
Which aircraft is LATAM analyzing? The group is evaluating "smaller jets," which in the current market points directly to the Embraer E-Jets E2 family (E190-E2, E195-E2) and the Airbus A220 family (A220-100, A220-300).
Why is this relevant? It would mark the return of Embraer aircraft to LATAM's mainline fleet after several years. The airline previously operated models like the E190 through its subsidiaries.
When will a decision be made? LATAM has not set a date. The company stated that the purchase depends on "aircraft availability and the evolution of the markets."
Currently, LATAM's fleet consists of 360 aircraft: 281 narrow-body Airbus A320 family jets, 56 wide-body Boeing aircraft (767, 777, and 787), and 20 Boeing 767F cargo planes. A potential partnership with Embraer would not only diversify its fleet but also strengthen the Brazilian aerospace industry.
However, the group maintains a cautious stance. The report clarifies that "the materialization of these options depends on various factors, including the availability of aircraft and the evolution of the markets in which the group operates," and notes that the company retains "significant flexibility to adjust capacity as needed."
The analysis of these new aircraft occurs in a context of strong financial results, with increased revenues and updated growth guidance, providing the company with the necessary strength to consider such fleet investments.
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