LATAM (LA)

LATAM Airlines is accelerating its ecological transition by adopting the AeroShark system across its long-haul fleet. This high-tech adhesive film reproduces the microscopic structure of shark skin to optimise the aircraft's aerodynamics . By reducing air resistance during flight, this innovation makes it possible to save approximately 1% of jet fuel per journey. Maintenance technicians apply these millions of "micro-grooves" to the fuselage and engine nacelles during maintenance stops in the hangar. This modernisation programme covers all ten of the airline's Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Once this deployment is complete, the air carrier expects to save 4,000 tonnes of fuel each year. This technical optimisation also makes it possible to prevent the emission of 12,000 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere, equivalent to numerous transatlantic flights. By harnessing biomimicry, the South American airline is transforming its aircraft into more streamlined and quieter machines. With the integration of the AeroShark system, LATAM Airlines is proving that aviation technology can draw inspiration from the marine world for less polluted skies.

LATAM Airlines Group is accelerating the renewal of its long-haul fleet by taking delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 equipped with GE Aerospace GEnx engines, an unprecedented combination for a South American airline. Delivered in late December from Charleston (United States) to Santiago de Chile, the aircraft is intended to strengthen the group’s intercontinental network, particularly from its hubs in Santiago, São Paulo and Lima. The use of GEnx engines, known for their high efficiency, enables LATAM to reduce fuel consumption by up to around 15% compared with previous generations, while significantly lowering CO₂ emissions, nitrogen oxides and noise. This improvement is part of a strengthened environmental performance strategy that responds to the air transport sector’s sustainability expectations. Beyond its environmental impact, the 787-9 equipped with GEnx offers better operational reliability and greater flexibility for long-haul flights to Europe, the United States or Asia, markets where LATAM aims to expand its presence. The aircraft will notably be able to optimize capacity on high-demand routes while potentially opening new air connections. This renewal forms part of a broad fleet growth plan for the group, which is expected to take delivery of several dozen additional aircraft by the end of the decade, including Dreamliners and other modern models designed to improve energy efficiency and service quality.