For the first time in history, Latin America’s largest airline will fly Brazilian-made jets — and it marks a milestone for the entire aviation industry in the region.
The announcement was a long time coming. On March 25, 2026, at LATAM’s main maintenance hub in São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil’s president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva joined airline executives and government ministers to celebrate a deal that signals a new chapter for Brazilian aviation. LATAM will become the first major Latin American carrier to incorporate aircraft manufactured by Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer into its fleet.
The Deal: 24 Jets and Billions on the Table
A total of 24 E195-E2 jets will be added to LATAM’s fleet, primarily to strengthen regional operations, with deliveries expected in the final quarter of 2026. The deal was first announced in 2025, carrying a total value of US$ 2.1 billion — with the possibility of expanding further through the purchase of 50 additional aircraft.
That’s not small change. It’s a bold bet on Brazilian engineering, and a major commercial win for Embraer on its home turf.
“A Long-Awaited Marriage”
President Lula didn’t mince words at the ceremony, calling the partnership “a marriage long awaited,” and noting that Brazil is home to the third-largest aircraft manufacturer in the world.
LATAM’s CEO in Brazil, Jerome Cadier, highlighted what the E2 jets will mean operationally: the new aircraft will allow the airline to reach more cities and grow connectivity beyond its current network. For a country the size of Brazil — where regional air travel remains underdeveloped — that’s a compelling promise.
Embraer’s president, Francisco Gomes Neto, added that the E195-E2 is not just efficient but that having LATAM’s flag on the aircraft will elevate the model’s profile internationally. He also emphasized the employment impact, noting that Embraer supports 23,500 jobs in Brazil and worldwide.
What Makes the E195-E2 Special?
The E195-E2 is part of Embraer’s second-generation E-Jet family, known for being quieter, more fuel-efficient, and more environmentally friendly than its predecessors. It seats between 120 and 146 passengers and is specifically designed to make regional routes — those connecting mid-sized cities that larger jets tend to skip — both economically viable and comfortable.
For LATAM, this is a strategic move. Instead of relying exclusively on Airbus and Boeing widebodies for major routes, the E2 fleet opens a new tier of connectivity.
A Booming Industry
The timing couldn’t be better. Brazil’s aviation sector is in the midst of a historic expansion. The number of air passengers transported in Brazil grew from 97.7 million in 2022 to 130 million in 2025 — making it one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world. The government’s goal is to reach 140 million passengers by the end of 2026.
LATAM itself employs 22,500 people globally and has invested an estimated US$ 4 billion in Brazil between 2023 and 2026 to expand its fleet and improve national and international connectivity.
The MRO Factor
The event took place at LATAM’s Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO) center in São Carlos — the largest aeronautical maintenance center in South America. Inaugurated 25 years ago by the former TAM airline, the facility has nine hangars and can service up to 16 aircraft simultaneously, handling around 60% of LATAM’s global fleet and employing over 2,000 workers. Until now, the facility primarily serviced Airbus and Boeing aircraft. The Embraer E2s will add a new chapter to that legacy.
Why This Matters
This deal is more than a commercial transaction. It’s a statement: that Brazilian aerospace technology is ready to power Latin America’s largest airline. It closes a gap that, frankly, should have been closed years ago — and it opens the door to deeper integration between Brazil’s manufacturing prowess and the continent’s aviation needs.
Whether LATAM follows through on the option for 50 more jets will be one of the most closely watched decisions in regional aviation over the next few years. For now, though, the runway is clear — and Brazil’s Embraer is ready to take off.
