- The growth strategy announced in 2021 for LATAM group’s cargo operators, included the addition of eight B767 passenger aircraft converted into cargo planes.
- With this latest addition, the group reinforces its commitment to the region, solidifying its position as the largest cargo airline group in South America.
- In the short term, the cargo fleet will focus on providing additional capacity during the peak seasons of fruit exports in Chile and flower exports in Colombia and Ecuador. Subsequently, the focus will shift towards strengthening long-haul operations from Europe and North America to South America.
November 14, 2023 – The LATAM Cargo operators (hereafter “LATAM Cargo”) received a third Boeing 767 BCF this year, completing the fleet expansion plan and bringing the combined total to 19 cargo aircraft. This milestone reinforces their position as the largest cargo airline group in South America.
The fleet expansion plan announced in 2021 by LATAM group culminated in the addition of eight passenger-to-cargo converted aircraft, resulting in a growth of over 70% in freighter capacity compared to pre-pandemic levels. LATAM Cargo expanded its fleet uniformly with the Boeing 767-300 BCF, as it is the ideal aircraft for operations in the region due to its efficiency, versatility, and size.
“The arrival of this aircraft reflects LATAM Cargo’s commitment to customers and focus on maintaining a sustainable, long-term operation. This growth plan was structured collaboratively, with the aim of connecting the region’s export and import industries through a broad and reliable offering. At the same time, we considered the inherent volatility of air cargo and thus focused on efficiency, diversification, and flexibility. While the industry faces challenging times, we are pleased to have access to this new aircraft to take advantage of opportunities in the territory,” commented Gudny Genskowsky, Senior VP of Network and Alliances for Cargo at LATAM.
In the short term, the new cargo aircraft will strengthen the export of cherries from Chile during the final quarter of the year and increase available capacity for the markets of Colombia and Ecuador during the Valentine’s Day flower season. Subsequently, it will enable the group to expand its long-haul operations from North America and Europe to South America.
Currently, LATAM group operates a fleet of 321 aircraft, including 58 Boeing passenger planes (models 767, 777, and 787) and 245 Airbus aircraft (models A319, A320, A320neo, A321, and A321neo). Additionally, they have a combined fleet of 19 cargo Boeing 767 aircraft operated by the cargo subsidiaries LATAM Cargo Chile, LATAM Cargo Colombia, and LATAM Cargo Brasil.