LATAM Airlines Group will convert up to eight 767-300ER aircraft into Boeing Converted Freighters in the next three years.

This represents a freighter capacity growth of up to 80 per cent, the company said.

LATAM said its aim was to increase service options and leverage the synergies of operating a single type of aircraft.

In a first phase, LATAM has four confirmed conversion slots with Boeing with re-deliveries between 2021 and 2022. Once completed, the LATAM cargo operators’ fleet will reach a total of 15 Boeing 767-300ER freighters.

A second phase includes four conversion options with Boeing that would allow aircraft to be added between 2022 and 2023. If all options are executed LATAM would then operate a total of 19 767-300ER freighters.

“Despite the deep crisis the industry is enduring due to the pandemic, we maintain our commitment to support the region’s exporters and importers by providing them with more and better options to carry their cargo to their destinations,” said LATAM Airlines Group’s CEO Roberto Alvo.

“As a result, growth plans have been accelerated with conversion of up to eight 767-300ERs in the next 30 months. This investment, together with the significant cost efficiencies that we have generated during the Chapter 11 process, puts us closer to achieving our aspiration of being the best alternative for cargo customers.”

LATAM Cargo’s CEO Andrés Bianchi said the 767-300ER freighter offered many advantages. “Combining the passenger belly operations of LATAM Airlines Group with 15 to 19 767-300ER freighters efficiently strengthens our customer value proposition. These conversions will enable the cargo affiliates to grow in key segments such the Colombian flower market or imports to Brazil. It also allows our affiliates to expand their network in domestic markets where e-commerce is rapidly generating an increase in air cargo traffic.

“Growing with Boeing 767-300BCFs is extremely efficient as it is the optimal aircraft for all these undertakings and we can take advantage of the benefit of operating a single fleet type.”