LATAM Airlines Group has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner powered by next-generation engines from GE Aerospace, becoming the first airline group in South America to operate this aircraft-engine combination.

The aircraft joins the airline’s growing widebody fleet as part of a broader fleet growth and modernisation programme.

According to the manufacturer, GEnx (General Electric next-generation) engines deliver up to a 15% reduction in fuel consumption compared with the previous generation, alongside lower CO₂ and NOx emissions, reduced noise levels, and improved reliability and durability.

The aircraft departed from Charleston, South Carolina, to Santiago, Chile, and will soon be integrated into LATAM’s long-haul operations.

Sebastián Acuto, director of fleet and projects at LATAM Airlines Group, said: “The combination of the Boeing 787-9 and GEnx engines allows us to take a significant step toward a more efficient and sustainable operation, reducing fuel consumption and emissions while also gaining flexibility to continue growing and adapting to different markets and routes.

“This addition is key to strengthening our long-haul network and supporting the group’s international growth in the coming years.”

LATAM closed 2025 with a total fleet of 371 aircraft following the delivery of 26 next-generation aircraft during the year.

For 2026, the group expects the delivery of 41 additional aircraft, including the first Embraer aircraft to enter its fleet.

A further 27 aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2027, including LATAM’s first Airbus XLR.

Looking ahead to 2030, LATAM plans to incorporate more than 130 new aircraft from multiple manufacturers, supporting further network expansion and efficiency improvements across medium- and long-haul operations.

By the end of the decade, the airline group expects more than 50% of its fleet to consist of next-generation aircraft.

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