LATAM is going greener with a new A320neo fleet – Could this mean cheaper flights to South America are on the horizon?
LATAM Airlines has announced that it will have a family of 31 A320neo aircraft in operation by the end of 2023.
The new A320neo fleet will allow the LATAM to operate with more modern and efficient aircraft as the carrier embarks on its post-pandemic recovery journey.
The news comes as the Latin American airline takes a step forward in commitment to be more efficient and sustainable.
Last year we saw travel move in a cheaper direction when Jetstar brought its new A320neo fleet to Australia, so it is possible that LATAM’s fleet of more fuel efficient aircraft will see cheaper flights connecting Australia to Latin America.
The aircraft
The Airbus A320neo aircraft boats aerodynamic improvements, more efficient engines and technologies that make for a greener way of flying.
Director of Fleet and Projects, LATAM Airlines, Sebastián Acuto said that the new fleet will see a 20% lower fuel consumption, with a 50% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions.
“The renewal of the fleet we are carrying out fully aligns with our commitment to sustainability and brings us closer to becoming a carbon-neutral airline by 2050” Mr Acuto said.
Meanwhile, the airline also has its sights set on the Airbus A321XLR (extra-long-range) – a narrow-body, single-aisle aircraft with the longest flight range in the world (7,400 km) and up to 38% less fuel consumption per flight than a wide-body aircraft with two aisles.
Summing up
The purchase of additional Airbus aircraft will bring LATAM’s total to over 100 A320neo, A321neo and A321XLR aircraft by the end of this decade.
LATAM currently operates 16 Airbus A320neo aircraft, and its first A321neo will join the fleet this year, with the first A321XLR expected to arrive in 2025.
With an eye on sustainability, most of LATAM’s A320 fleet is equipped with software that reduces annual CO2 emissions by more than 60,000 tons by optimising the aircraft’s landing path.
This could be good news for travellers looking to secure cheaper flights to South America.
LATAM Airlines currently has 311 aircraft, 57 passenger Boeing (767, 777 and 787 models) and 238 Airbus aircraft (A319, A320, A320neo and A321 models).
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