Latam flies new cabins with business class suites, but not to Italy
TFC readers often ask me why I visit South America so little, and that is absolutely true, but the [...]
TFC readers often ask me why I frequent South America so little, and that is absolutely true, but there are basically two reasons.
In this article:
The first is that On this site we are not so much interested in the destination, but in the means of transportation. This means that if I fly to Brazil with ITA, to Argentina with British, or to Mexico with Lufthansa or Air France I will fly on the same machines used for other world destinations.
Second is that South American carriers are inconstant in the product and especially offer in the premium cabins definitely old and unattractive seats. Things, at least in Latam are about to change and I will definitely try to fly on these new cabins.
A nearly 350M euro fleet renewal
The company is in the midst of a fleet renewal process, in all cabins not just premium seats.
The redesign also affects Economy Class seats, which will be equipped with the latest generation of ergonomic seats with all the technology available today. They are covered in recycled leather up to 70% - already used on single-aisle aircraft (narrow body) - a material that can reduce water use in production by 87% compared to traditional leather.
In addition, passengers will be able to travel more comfortably on the Economy Plus class seats, which offer more legroom, greater recline, footrest and an exclusive luggage compartment.
The complete refurbishment process of the 24 aircraft is carried out at maintenance bases in São Carlos, Brazil, and Santiago, Chile. Installation is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026, as each upgrade takes 1 to 2 months depending on the improvements to be made.
The new business classes on Latam's 787s.
Let's start with the fact that today much of the South American carrier's Dreamliner fleet is outfitted with 2-2-2 business classes, while on 767 and 777 there are Vantage XLs to understand the same seat that ITA Airways uses on the A330neo, while On Dreamliners, the company chose Recaro's R7s., one of the most modern products and found, for example, on Iberia's A350s.
Premium Business suites are fully private, with sliding doors and seats that convert into beds, direct access to the hallway, storage space for shoes, space for luggage, and USB-A and USB-C charging ports.
For the entertainment proposition, each suite is equipped with an 18-inch high-definition screen.
Among the destinations is not Italy
The inauguration of these aircraft took place on the Santiago-Mexico route., with one flight taking off from Santiago, Chile at 8:10 a.m. on April 26. Subsequently, two more aircraft entered service for the Santiago-Bogotá and Santiago-Miami routes on May 3 and 6, respectively.
In the future, the three 787-8 planes-all based in Chile-will continue to operate on routes from Santiago to Easter Island (Chile), Bogotá (Colombia), Madrid (Spain), Miami, New York, and Los Angeles (United States).
In conclusion
I really like this attempt to make its planes more attractive by the company that has dropped off my radar since it left oneworld and now lives outside alliances, but with one-to-one agreements that often do not bring benefits of accumulating points and/or status.
