LATAM Launches Premium Business Cabins with Private Suites: A New Era in South American Aviation
On April 26, LATAM Airlines began operating its first aircraft with fully renovated cabins, featuring the exclusive Recaro R7 suites in its Premium Business class. This upgrade positions the company as the first aviation group in South America to offer seats with sliding doors, ensuring greater privacy, comfort, and an experience inspired by the continent’s natural beauty.
Details of the New Premium Business Experience
The standout feature is the private suites, designed to deliver a superior flight experience. Each seat converts into a bed, offers direct aisle access, includes shoe compartments, USB-A and USB-C ports, and an 18-inch HD screen. Every detail has been meticulously planned to elevate comfort to new heights.
Paulo Miranda, Vice President of Customers for the LATAM group, stated: “As part of our ongoing efforts to modernize our fleet and enhance the flight experience in South America, LATAM is proud to be the first group in the region to innovate Premium Business with the introduction of seat doors.”
Revamped Economy: More Comfort, Less Environmental Impact
The improvements extend beyond business class. The Economy seats have also been updated with next-generation ergonomic designs, upholstery made from up to 70% recycled leather (already featured in the narrow-body fleet), and a sustainable approach that reduces water usage by 87%, offering more space and comfort.
→ LATAM Reports Net Profit of US$355 Million in First Quarter
Additionally, the Economy Plus section allows passengers to enjoy extra legroom, additional recline, footrests, and exclusive luggage compartments.
Routes, Fleet, and Future: Expanding the New Standard
The aircraft with the new cabins debuted on the Santiago–Mexico City route on April 26, departing from Chile at 8:10 a.m. Upcoming flights are scheduled for May 3 (Santiago–Bogotá) and May 6 (Santiago–Miami). These routes will be operated by three Boeing 787-8s based in Chile, which will also serve destinations such as Easter Island, Madrid, New York, and Los Angeles.
These aircraft are part of a fleet renewal plan involving 24 Boeing 787s (10 of the 787-8 model and 14 of the 787-9), announced last September with a total investment of US$360 million. The modification work is being carried out at maintenance bases in São Carlos (Brazil) and Santiago (Chile) and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026. Each aircraft takes between one and two months to be retrofitted, depending on the scope of the upgrades.
Recaro: German Design for South American Passengers
The key partner in this transformation is RECARO Aircraft Seating, the manufacturer of the new R7 suites. Mark Hiller, CEO of RECARO, remarked: “With a strong focus on comfort, privacy, and the elegance of South American culture, every detail has been carefully designed with the passenger in mind to enhance the overall flight experience.”
With this move, LATAM redefines the flight standard in South America, aiming for a more comfortable, exclusive, and sustainable experience. The result? A world-class offering with a regional touch.
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Un apasionado por la aviación, Fundador y CEO de Aviación al Día.