Brazil’s LATAM Set to Enhance Domestic Tourism with New Embraer Jets and Expanded Route Network

Published on September 29, 2025

LATAM Airlines, Brazil’s market-leading carrier, is on track to significantly expand its domestic network with the rapid delivery of Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. The airline has secured a firm order for twenty-four of these modern jets, with options for an additional fifty, reflecting a strategic investment to enhance regional connectivity and meet growing travel demand across Brazil’s vast geography.

The first batch of jets is expected by the end of 2025, followed by subsequent deliveries in 2027. This fleet addition will enable LATAM to serve twenty-five to thirty new domestic destinations, including emerging cities and tourist hubs, greatly improving accessibility and fostering regional tourism expansion.

Strategic Aircraft Choice: Embraer E2 Fits Brazil’s Market Needs

While considering options from Embraer and Airbus, LATAM selected the Embraer E195-E2 for its optimal fit in the Brazilian aviation landscape. The jet’s one hundred thirty-six-seat capacity offers flexibility perfectly suited to the short to medium-haul routes between multiple medium-sized cities and tourist destinations, where demand is growing but does not yet justify larger aircraft.

Compared to competitors like Airbus’ A220, the E2 offers better alignment with LATAM’s route dynamics, supporting sustainable operations on less dense but economic corridors, thus expanding travel options for passengers and supporting tourism diversification beyond major metropolitan centers.

Workforce Growth and Infrastructure Investments

LATAM is not only expanding its fleet but also its workforce to support increased operations. The airline is expected to match or exceed its hiring from 2024, recruiting approximately one thousand employees, including pilots and cabin crew, ensuring readiness for the expanded schedule.

Investment in infrastructure reflects this growth, with a new forty million reais (dollar 7.49 million) heavy maintenance hangar opened recently at LATAM’s Sao Carlos base. This state-of-the-art facility bolsters LATAM’s maintenance capabilities, underpinning fleet reliability and safety as the airline increases its service footprint within Brazil.

Market Competition and Merger Developments

In spite of its expansion, LATAM faces stiff competition in Brazil’s lucrative aviation market. A recent merger proposal between rivals Azul and Gol, which would have overtaken LATAM in market share, was discontinued, alleviating competitive pressure but underscoring the dynamic and evolving nature of Brazilian air travel.

Market regulatory body CADE is vigilant in overseeing such mergers, ensuring fair competition and preventing monopolistic dominance that could affect fares and service quality. LATAM proactively assessed the merger prospects, anticipating necessary antitrust mitigations to preserve market balance.

Boosting Tourism Connectivity Across Brazil

LATAM’s route expansion powered by Embraer jets is poised to transform Brazil’s tourism landscape by providing improved access to less connected or emerging destinations. Enhanced domestic air service reduces travel times, encourages regional exploration, and supports local economies dependent on visitor spending.

Tourists seeking Brazil’s natural wonders, historic cities, and coastal resorts will benefit from streamlined air links, fueling inbound tourism not only in São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro but also in more rural and culturally rich states through a broader range of flight options.

Environmental and Economic Implications

The newer Embraer E2 jets boast advanced fuel-efficiency and reduced emissions compared to older aircraft, aligning with global trends toward greener aviation. LATAM’s adoption of these aircraft supports sustainable growth objectives, balancing increased flight activity with environmental responsibility.

Economic gains are anticipated from tourism growth, including job creation in hospitality, ground transportation, and services in newly connected destinations. These developments support Brazil’s strategic goals for economic diversification and inclusive regional development.

Future Outlook: Strengthening Brazil’s Domestic Aviation Network

LATAM’s delivery of Embraer E195-E2 jets marks a critical investment in Brazil’s aviation future. By expanding the route network and enhancing passenger experience, the airline reaffirms its leadership in the highly competitive domestic market.

Continuous investments in fleet modernization, workforce expansion, and infrastructure ensure LATAM remains a driving force behind Brazil’s travel connectivity, economic growth, and tourism sector vitality in the coming decade.

Image Credit: LATAM Airlines Group