LATAM Embraer E195-E2 Deliveries Start Soon, 136-Seat Interiors Revealed

In September 2024, South American giant LATAM placed an order for an aircraft that’s becoming increasingly popular in recent times, and it seems like a good fit for the airline. I’d like to take an updated look at this, as LATAM has just revealed what we can expect from the interiors of these aircraft. LATAM has ordered up to 74 Embraer E195-E2 for fleet renewalLATAM Embraer E195-E2s will have 136 seats in two cabinsHow the Embraer E195-E2 fits into LATAM’s fleetBottom line LATAM has ordered up to 74 Embraer E195-E2 for fleet renewalLATAM has placed an order for up to 74 Embraer E195-E2s, including 24 firm orders and 50 options. The first new Embraer jet is expected to enter service in the coming months, in the fourth quarter of 2026. The deal is valued at up to $2.1 billion at list prices (excluding options), but airlines never pay list prices.For those not familiar with the Embraer E195-E2, this is the latest generation jet of the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer’s lineup. The E195-E2 is the largest, longest range, and most fuel efficient Embraer E-jet. The plane can seat 120-146 people (depending on the configuration), and can fly up to 2,600 nautical miles. The plane is great from a passenger experience standpoint, given the 2-2 layout, meaning there are no middle seats onboard. Here’s how LATAM CEO Roberto Alvo described this order, at the time:“Over the past four years, LATAM group has focused on expanding its domestic and regional network, creating the most comprehensive and seamless way of travelling within South America. LATAM group’s decision is based on the excellent economics and versatility of the Embraer E195-E2, which will allow us to continue on our path of profitable growth by enhancing that connectivity through the opening of new destinations, allowing our passengers to have even more options and bringing communities closer, boosting also economic and social development.”LATAM has ordered the Embraer E195-E2LATAM Embraer E195-E2s will have 136 seats in two cabinsLATAM has now revealed what customers can expect onboard the Embraer E195-E2s. The planes will be configured with 136 seats, spread across two cabins — premium economy and economy. Premium economy will have up to 20 seats, depending on the exact configuration (as it sounds like there could be a couple of versions). Premium economy is LATAM’s top cabin on its regional, narrow body aircraft. That generally consists of an economy-style seat, but with a blocked adjacent seat. Unfortunately given the 2-2 configuration, LATAM does not plan to block any seats for premium economy passengers. However, the airline is promising the seats will have additional legroom, greater seat recline, and personalized onboard service.Throughout the aircraft, passengers will enjoy seats equipped with adjustable headrests, reclining backrests, personal device holders, and USB-C charging ports. They’ll also feature SES’ latest satellite connectivity technology, and LATAM Pass members will get free inflight Wi-Fi. The LATAM Play streaming entertainment system also offers more than 2,000 hours of content.LATAM Embraer E195-E2 premium economy cabinLATAM Embraer E195-E2 economy cabinHow the Embraer E195-E2 fits into LATAM’s fleetLATAM is a South American mega airline, with bases in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The airline group currently has a fleet of 368 aircraft, consisting entirely of Airbus and Boeing planes. The airline group uses Boeing for wide body aircraft (with 767s, 777s, and 787s), and Airbus for narrow body aircraft (with A319s, A320s, A320neos, A321s, and A321neos).So, what’s the plan for these new Embraer aircraft? LATAM plans to initially fly these Embraer E195-E2s with its LATAM Brazil subsidiary, which is the largest subsidiary in the group. As LATAM sees it, this aircraft will provide the company the opportunity to add up to 35 new destinations to its current list of 160 destinations. That’s presumably due to a combination of the plane’s great economics, capacity, and ability to land on shorter runways than existing aircraft. I have to imagine that part of the motive here is to eventually replace LATAM Brazil’s fleet of Airbus A319s. These are an average of around 18 years old, and have a similar capacity to the Embraer E195-E2s. Suffice it to say that the E195-E2s have a much better passenger experience (well, except in premium economy), and also have better economics. Embraer emphasizes how the aircraft delivers up to 30% lower fuel consumption per seat compared to previous generation models.It’s nice to see the Embraer E2 jets finally getting the love they deserve (we also recently saw orders of this plane from both Avelo Airlines and SAS). In particular, it’s nice to see a Brazilian carrier pick up this plane, given that it’s where these beauties are manufactured. This seems like a great fit for LATAM’s fleet.The Embraer E195-E2s will be based in BrazilBottom lineLATAM has an order for up to 74 Embraer E195-E2s, which includes 24 firm orders and 50 options. The airline will take delivery of these starting in the fourth quarter of 2026, and the plan is for them to initially fly for LATAM’s Brazil subsidiary.In terms of passenger experience, the planes will have 136 seats, including up to 20 premium economy seats. Unfortunately unlike on Airbus narrow body planes, there will be no blocked adjacent seats in premium economy on the plane, which isn’t ideal. But otherwise, this plane should be lovely to fly.LATAM has identified 35 markets that become economically viable with this aircraft, so that’s pretty exciting. Beyond that, I have to imagine that part of the goal here is to eventually replace existing Airbus A319s.What do you make of LATAM adding the Embraer E195-E2 to its fleet?