Photo: Airbus.
On Thursday, LATAM Airlines ordered 17 Airbus A321neo including 13 A321XLR aircraft to expand its route offering further. This new order brings LATAM’s total A320neo order book aircraft to 100.
Following Airbus orders with Delta Air Lines and easyJet at Farnborough, Airbus closed its participation at the event announcing a new order from the biggest Latin American carrier, LATAM Airlines Group.
“We applaud LATAM’s strategic vision and sustainability ambition. This order for the A321neo on the heels of its restructuring is a strong sign of the value Airbus brings to making this vision and ambition a reality. The A321XLR will enable the opening of new routes and will allow LATAM to increase its international reach in the region,” said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.
LATAM is one of Airbus’ main customers in the Latin American region. Prior to this announcement, LATAM expected to receive around 70 new A320neo units between 2022 and 2028.
Last month, LATAM received its first A320neo after more than two years of halted deliveries due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the airline’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding in the United States.
LATAM’s order for 17 A321neos improves competitiveness
LATAM is looking to expand its fleet while reducing its average age, which is currently 9.5 years old.
When LATAM Brazil received its newest A320neo last month, Harley Meneses, LATAM Brazil’s Operations Director, said,
“The incorporation of one more A320neo aircraft by LATAM is fully aligned with the strategy of expanding our efficiency and competitiveness. This aircraft features the latest generation engines, sharklets, and an innovative cabin, being the most comfortable, fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly narrowbody aircraft.”
The big surprise, the A321XLR
During the announcement at Farnborough, LATAM endorsed the Airbus A321XLR, the single-aisle Extra Long Range, which allows opening routes with lower risk for point-to-point operations.
According to Airbus, the LATAM order signed at Farnborough includes 13 Airbus A321XLRs, partly from rearranging previous orders.
Airbus said LATAM also confirmed to bring the A321XLR to complement their long-haul operations.
If LATAM does confirm the order, it would become the third Latin American airline to acquire the A321XLR, following the steps of Chilean carriers JetSMART and Sky Airline.
JetSMART currently expects to receive 14 A321XLRs (following an increase in its original order last year at 2021’s Dubai Airshow).
Sky Airline has an order for ten A321XLRs.
