From May 5, 2016, LAN Airlines operating as LATAM Chile, opened many routes during 2017, one of them being their longest flight in their history: Santiago to Melbourne, which started operating October 5 of that year. LATAM Chile received its first A350 in early 2016 as well as for LATAM Brazil.

In November 2017 LATAM Chile announced the opening of a direct air route to The Middle East. The route will operate with a flight departing from Santiago, Chile, make a stop in Sao Paulo, Brazil and continue direct to Tel Aviv, Israel. The flights started from December 2018 with new Boeing 787-9 aircraft. In December 2017 the airline received their very first Airbus A320neo aircraft.

Between 2018 and 2019, LATAM continued to refine its international network, particularly strengthening long-haul connectivity between South America, North America, and Europe. The airline also deepened partnerships, most notably with Delta Air Lines, which acquired a 20% stake in LATAM in 2019. This strategic alliance led to joint venture agreements on routes between North and South America, allowing coordinated scheduling, pricing, and route planning. This partnership marked a decisive shift away from LATAM’s previous alignment with Oneworld, which it exited in May 2020, fundamentally reshaping its global positioning and partnerships.

The most transformative event in LATAM’s modern history occurred in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented collapse in global air travel demand. LATAM filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States in May 2020, becoming the largest airline group in Latin America to undergo such restructuring. The crisis forced the airline to ground large portions of its fleet, suspend numerous international routes, and significantly reduce its workforce. One notable structural consequence was the closure of LATAM Airlines Argentina, which ceased operations entirely in 2020 due to the country’s economic conditions and regulatory challenges.

During the restructuring period from 2020 to 2022, LATAM undertook deep financial and operational reforms. It renegotiated aircraft leases, reduced debt, optimized its fleet composition, and focused on improving cost efficiency. The airline also accelerated the retirement of older aircraft types, including widebody jets that were less fuel-efficient, while retaining and modernizing its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet for long-haul operations.

LATAM officially emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late 2022. The airline began rebuilding its passenger network rapidly in 2023 and 2024, restoring capacity to near pre-pandemic levels. Passenger traffic rebounded strongly, and the company reported double-digit growth, signalling a return to expansion mode.

From 2023 onward, LATAM’s strategy has been characterized by a dual focus on fleet modernization and network expansion. Deliveries of new A321neo began in September 2023, and the aircraft quickly became a cornerstone of LATAM’s narrowbody operations due to its higher capacity and improved operating economics.

At the same time, LATAM has strengthened its long-haul fleet with additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which offer improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The airline has also retrofitted existing widebody aircraft with upgraded cabins, including fully flat business class seats and modern in-flight entertainment systems.

By 2024 and 2025, the airline was actively increasing frequencies to North America under its joint venture with Delta, while also exploring new long-haul connections from Brazil and Chile. In 2026, LATAM Airlines Brazil announced multiple new routes, flown by the B787-9, including long-haul services from São Paulo to Amsterdam, Brussels, and Cape Town.

One of the most significant developments in LATAM’s recent history has been its entry into the regional jet segment. In 2025, the airline placed a major order for 24 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, with options for up to 50 additional units. This order represents a strategic shift, as LATAM had previously operated mainly Airbus narrowbody aircraft. The E195-E2 will allow the airline to serve thinner routes and expand connectivity to smaller cities, particularly in Brazil.

By 2025 and 2026, LATAM’s fleet growth has accelerated considerably. The airline ended 2025 with approximately 371 aircraft after receiving 26 new deliveries and plans to add 41 additional aircraft in 2026. This expansion is part of a broader plan to grow the fleet to around 410 aircraft by the end of 2026, placing LATAM among the largest airline groups globally by fleet size.

Looking ahead, LATAM’s future fleet orders and expansion plans reflect a clear strategy of growth combined with efficiency and sustainability. The group has outstanding orders for Airbus A320neo family aircraft, including A321neo and the long-range A321XLR, which is expected to enable new “long thin” routes that were previously uneconomical for widebody aircraft.

In addition to Airbus narrowbodies, LATAM has firm orders for Boeing 787-9 aircraft extending into the late 2020s, ensuring continued modernization of its long-haul fleet. The airline is also set to receive its Embraer E195-E2 jets from 2026 onward, marking its entry into a new operational segment focused on regional connectivity.

Strategically, LATAM’s future growth plans centre on strengthening its position as the dominant carrier in Latin America while expanding its global reach. This includes increasing connectivity between South America and key international markets, deepening partnerships—particularly with Delta—and expanding domestic networks in Brazil and other countries through the use of smaller, more versatile aircraft. The airline is also investing in digital transformation, customer experience improvements, and cargo operations, which remain an important pillar of its business model.