LATAM Airlines announced the arrival of a new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on Saturday, September 2nd. The aircraft flew from the US company’s factory in Charleston (South Carolina) directly to Santiago de Chile and should enter service in the coming weeks.
The 787-9 registered CC-BGQ is the 22th aircraft of the type in its fleet and flew for the first time in September 2021. Some time later, the aircraft was seen at Victorville Airport, in California, with parts such as windows, landing gear and engines covered (see image below).
Follow ADN: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
With 300 seats arranged in two classes (business with 30 seats and economy with 270), the 787-9 has been the main aircraft on long-haul flights from LATAM, which also has 10 Boeing 777-300ERs in the Brazilian division and some 767s. -300.
“LATAM’s fleet renewal and modernization strategy aligns with its sustainability goals to be a carbon neutral group by 2050. We continue working to complement our current fleet with state-of-the-art aircraft, expanding our connectivity without compromising care for the environment environment”, said Ramiro Alfonsín, CFO of LATAM Airlines Group.
Former Norwegian jets on the way
According to Planespotters, there are 32 Dreamliners in the LATAM fleet, 10 of the 787-8 model and 22 of the 787-9. Two jets, however, are out of service, the CC-BGV, grounded in Abu Dhabi, and the CC-BBF, a 787-8 that was hit by a tow tractor in May.
The airline’s plan, however, is to reach the end of 2023 with 37 Boeing 787s in its fleet. Four of these planes are expected to be received through leasing from the companies UK Export Finance and Oryx Aviation.
There would be four 787-9s that previously flew with Norwegian Air, a low-cost airline that closed its long-haul network some time ago.
