December 2, 2024
LATAM Invests $7 Million in Largest Maintenance Center in South America

LATAM Invests $7 Million in Largest Maintenance Center in South America

LATAM Group announces its largest investment in the past 10 years at its São Carlos maintenance base, with nearly $7 million allocated for Boeing 787 aircraft support.
A LATAM 787 parked outside its maintenance hangar.
Photo Credit: LATAM Group

LATAM Airlines Group is making a substantial investment of nearly $7 million in its São Carlos maintenance facility. This significant commitment will fund the construction of a new hangar dedicated to Boeing 787 Dreamliner maintenance

Marking the largest such investment for the airline group in a decade, work is now set to commence on 15 November 2024.

Expanding Maintenance Capabilities


The new hangar will empower LATAM to bring a greater number of maintenance services in-house, thereby reducing costs and enhancing aircraft availability.

Currently, the airline conducts heavy maintenance for 787 Dreamliners in Chile and relies on external providers.

The São Carlos facility will now be equipped to handle a more substantial portion of this work. In addition to 787 maintenance, the facility will support painting and maintenance for Airbus A320 family aircraft.

The new hangar will handle the complex maintenance requirements of the 787 Dreamliner. It will feature advanced tooling and technologies, allowing technicians to work efficiently and accurately.

Additionally, the facility will incorporate environmentally friendly practices to minimize its impact on the environment.

A LATAM Boeing 787-9 taxis for takeoff.
Photo Credit: LATAM Group

Boosting Regional Economy and Job Creation

This strategic investment is projected to create 300 new jobs in São Carlos, contributing to the region’s economic growth and development.

The facility will incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as drone inspections and autonomous logistics carts, further optimizing efficiency and streamlining operations.

LATAM MRO São Carlos: A Global Leader


LATAM MRO São Carlos is a premier aircraft maintenance center in Latin America, renowned for its expertise and state-of-the-art facilities.

The facility employs 2,000 highly skilled professionals and handles over 60% of LATAM Group’s scheduled maintenance.

LATAM MRO São Carlos is expanding its capabilities and adopting innovative technologies to solidify its position as a global leader in aviation maintenance.

Lufthansa Technik AeroSHARK skin is applied to a LATAM Airlines B777
Photo Credit: Lufthansa Technik

Strengthening Fleet and Network

LATAM’s 787 Dreamliner fleet is a cornerstone of its long-haul operations, offering passengers a superior travel experience.

The recent order of 10 additional 787s underscores the airline’s commitment to modernizing its fleet. The move further reinforces its position as a leader in Latin American aviation.

“LATAM reaffirms its commitment to operational efficiency and regional development with this investment in the maintenance center in São Carlos.” Enrique Parada, Engineering and Maintenance Director for LATAM group gave comment on the new development.

“The project, in addition to enhancing the group’s services, will contribute to strengthening the region as an aviation hub.”

Render of a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in flight.
Image Credit: Boeing

A Bright Future for LATAM and São Carlos


This investment in the São Carlos maintenance facility is a testament to LATAM’s commitment to its customers, employees, and the communities it serves.

By expanding its capabilities and embracing innovation, LATAM is positioning itself for continued success in the years to come.

LATAM Airlines Group S.A. and its subsidiaries are the leading airline group in Latin America, with presence in five domestic markets in the region: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

Its international operations span Latin America and to Europe, Oceania, Africa, the United States and the Caribbean. The group has a fleet of Boeing 767, 777, 787, Airbus A321, A321neo A320, A320neo and A319 aircraft.

LATAM Cargo Chile, LATAM Cargo Colombia and LATAM Cargo Brazil are the LATAM group’s cargo subsidiaries. In addition to having access to the bellies of the passenger affiliates’ aircraft, they have a fleet of 21 freighters.

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