LATAM will expand its growth plan for its fleet converted to cargo, estimating to gradually add another 10 Boeing 767-300 BCFs (Boeing Converted Freighters) in the coming years, to reach 21 cargo aircraft of that model by the end of 2023.

This implies adding two more conversions to those announced in recent months, which means that within two years the group will almost double its cargo fleet and reduce the average age from 17 to 14 years. The first conversion will be incorporated at the end of this year.

“The decision to expand the fleet is based on the attractive growth opportunities, the efficiency gains achieved and the flexibility that the Boeing 767F allows. As a result, it will be possible to grow profitably, even in scenarios similar to those faced before the pandemic. Thanks to this, LATAM cargo subsidiaries will continue to respond to the needs of their customers, and supporting the development of the region with better and broader connectivity,” commented Andrés Bianchi, CEO of LATAM Cargo.

The company highlighted that this growth will lead the group’s cargo operators to expand and strengthen their presence from, to and between South America, allowing LATAM to be consolidated as the main cargo group in the region. Initially, they detailed, the distribution of the capacity of the first eight aircraft has already been defined to increase their offer in key markets.

“At a general level, connectivity from South America to North America and vice versa is being reinforced. Specifically, the connection from Colombia and Ecuador is strengthened to support the export of the floriculture sector. Also, the export of salmon from Chile and its import market will be strengthened. And in Brazil, capacity to and from North America and Europe will be increased, promoting both exporter and importer markets,” added Kamal Hadad, Director of Alliances and Network at LATAM Cargo.

Hadad also highlighted that the flexibility of the cargo fleet allows LATAM to evaluate multiple alternatives. “For example, the two additional conversions could be used to renew the current fleet or to start new growth projects. The group has time to make the corresponding decisions,” he concluded.

In order to increase capacity in the short term, LATAM freight operators will use some 767-300ERs that are waiting to be converted under a hybrid format. With this purpose, the cabin seats of three aircraft will be completely removed, to achieve a payload up to 46 tons per flight. Two of these aircraft are already operational and the third is expected to do so during the second quarter.

In addition, LATAM is increasing the similarity between its factory and converted 767-300 freighters to maximize their capacity, including the ability to transport delicate cargo.