LATAM Airlines announced a US$2 billion investment plan in the country for the next two years in a meeting with the president of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
The protocol of intentions was signed in Santiago, Chile, where the carrier is headquartered, and foresees expanding services at the company’s facilities in Brazil, especially LATAM MRO Sao Carlos, the largest maintenance center in South America.
In addition to expanding its facilities, LATAM intends to train local workers, creating more jobs.
Order for E2 jets postponed
The meeting between LATAM’s leadership and President Lula was expected to serve as an announcement of an order for E2 jets from Embraer.
The Brazilian leader has been pushing for both LATAM and Gol Linhas Aéreas to operate Embraer aircraft. To this end, he has hinted at tax benefits only available on regional flights, where the two airlines do not currently operate.
According to local media, LATAM may announce an order for five to nine E2 jets soon, since the company, Embraer and the Brazilian development bank BNDES are still discussing the terms of an agreement.
Currently, only Azul Linhas Aereas flies Embraer jets among the major Brazilian carriers.
In addition to 43 first-generation E195 aircraft, the airline founded by David Neeleman has 23 E195-E2s and is expected to receive another ten aircraft in 2024 alone.
