LATAM Airlines invests $2bn in Brazil after Lula meeting

LATAM Airlines has committed to investing $2bn in Brazil over the next two years, as it continues growing its presence in the region after a meeting with Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. 

The Chilean airline group also signed an agreement with the Brazilian Ministry of Labour and Employment (MTE) committing to training workers for its LATAM MRO facilities in São Carlos, the largest aircraft maintenance centre in South America. 

During the meeting, LATAM CEO Roberto Alvo and President Lula also discussed the potential of expanding the airline’s flights to Brazil and the promotion of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a cause the airline has been pushing as part of its carbon neutral plans. 

While the company did not reveal exact details of its investment plans in Brazil, the airline said it would be focusing on products, technologies and passenger services in the country, alongside the extra focus on its maintenance services. 

The memorandum of understanding signed with the MTE will see the creation of a joint technical work plan to explore training opportunities for specialised jobs at the São Carlos MRO facility, which provides maintenance for 60% of LATAM’s fleet. 

LATAM Airlines Brazil is already one of the biggest airlines in the country, with the largest number of international destinations, and employs around 19,000 people, including 1,800 staff in São Carlos. 

Last year, the airline also introduced its first A321neo aircraft from Airbus into its services to and from Brazil as it began to take delivery of 76 of the planes as part of its fleet renewal plans.