LATAM Brazil begins delivery process for first Embraer E195-E2

LATAM Airlines Brazil and Embraer have begun the delivery process for the airline’s first E195-E2, marking a milestone in its domestic expansion. The aircraft is the first of 12 scheduled to arrive by the end of 2026, with another 12 planned for 2027, following LATAM Group’s announcement in September 2025 of an acquisition covering up to 74 aircraft.

The initial deployment programme, running between November 2026 and March 2027, will see the first 14 E195-E2s serve 42 routes, including eight new connections. Four destinations will join LATAM’s network: Cabo Frio, Ji-Paraná, Macaé and Rondonópolis. The airline currently serves 63 Brazilian airports, compared with 44 six years ago, and aims to exceed 70 in 2027. It is also assessing up to 18 further destinations.

LATAM’s E195-E2s will have 136 seats in a two-by-two layout, with no middle seats, offering Economy and Premium Economy. The latter will comprise up to 20 seats, depending on configuration, with additional legroom and recline. Onboard amenities will include USB-C ports at every seat, LATAM Play entertainment and free Wi-Fi for registered LATAM Pass members.

Before entering service, the first aircraft must complete customs procedures, cabin approval and certification with Brazil’s civil aviation authority, ANAC. LATAM and Embraer used the manufacturer’s “Profit Hunter” demonstration aircraft for evacuation demonstrations, evaluation flights and crew training, which they say roughly halved the time required for those procedures.

The release gives differing indications of the service-entry date: its opening anticipates operations “in the coming days”, while the detailed deployment programme starts in November. A precise inaugural date therefore remains to be clarified.