IN AN INDUSTRY OF CONSTANT INNOVATION and evolution, LATAM Airlines continues advancing its services. From redesigned seating and cabin layouts to an updated culinary program, LATAM is raising the standard for travel across South America and beyond.
In March, LATAM revealed the first results of a $400 million investment aimed at modernizing its fleet and improving the passenger experience. The retrofit program is ongoing and will take a few years to complete. Initial retrofitted cabins are already operating from LATAM’s Lima hub on routes across South America (including Santiago, Buenos Aires, São Paulo and Guayaquil), North America (Miami, Los Angeles and Mexico City) and Europe (Madrid and Barcelona). When complete, more than 200 aircraft—roughly two-thirds of LATAM’s global fleet—will feature the new interiors.
The refresh covers the entire cabin, with particularly notable upgrades to the Boeing 767 business-class cabin. LATAM involved frequent business travelers in the design process, incorporating passenger feedback into every major change.
Rather than retiring older aircraft immediately, the investment extends the service life of some planes while focusing on consistent, airline-wide improvements.
“We wanted the passenger to be at the heart of every decision in the development of our cabins, so we talked to them and asked them what they wanted,” said Claudia Sender, vice president, customers, LATAM Airlines Group, shortly before the inaugural flight in March.
The most noticeable improvements are in business class. The new 1-2-1 seat configuration ensures every passenger has direct aisle access, eliminating the need to wake seatmates to move around or access the lavatory. This feature is especially important on long-haul flights lasting eight hours or more.
“Our new cabins will enable us to offer an industry-leading onboard experience with more options, flexibility and personalization to better serve each and every passenger,” Sender added. “Technology is alive, and we need to stay on top of our game.”
Personalization goes beyond aisle access. The new interior design draws inspiration from South America’s landscapes—from Chilean deserts to Andean marble—bringing regional character to the onboard experience.
The new business cabin is already fitted on select Boeing 767s. Over the coming years, the updated accommodations will roll out across LATAM’s wide-body fleet, including Boeing 777s, 787-9s and future Airbus A350-1000 deliveries.
Seats are custom-designed by Thompson to provide enhanced privacy and comfort. Couples can request the center pair of seats to sit together, while all passengers benefit from generous storage and an 18-inch entertainment screen.
Service updates for business class are also in development and expected later this year. With many overnight routes, LATAM is redesigning its culinary and service approach to promote more restful sleep and reduce disturbances from cabin service. New bedding and improved mattresses are being introduced to boost comfort and help passengers arrive more refreshed.
“Onboard experience has a direct impact on airline choice and passenger satisfaction, and we are confident that our new cabins will help us to consolidate our position as the leading airline group in Latin America, complementing our unrivalled network of destinations in the region with more than 140 destinations across 26 countries and five continents,” said Manuel van Oordt, general manager, LATAM Airlines Peru, at the inaugural flight.
Upgrades extend beyond premium cabins. Economy passengers on retrofitted aircraft can choose LATAM+ seats, offering enhanced comfort without the full cost of business class. LATAM+ provides approximately four extra inches of legroom, about 40 percent more pitch, optional footrests on some models, exclusive overhead bins, priority boarding, and early deplaning privileges.
This transformation has been underway since August 2018, with early priorities focused on giving passengers more space to work, reducing in-flight interruptions, and improving privacy.
LATAM’s refreshed cabins make South America’s destinations even more appealing. Peru’s Machu Picchu is a flagship attraction reachable after a flight into Lima (LIM) followed by local transfers, trains and hiking. Arriving well-rested in business class helps travelers tackle the additional journey to the ruins.
Lima is also a top culinary destination, home to acclaimed restaurants and a vibrant food scene. LATAM’s network connects travelers to Brazil, Argentina, Chile and many other South American countries, each offering distinct culture, landscapes and attractions.
In Buenos Aires, visitors can explore rich urban history and lively markets. Iguazu Falls, on the Argentina–Brazil border, rewards well-rested travelers with dramatic views of one of the world’s greatest waterfalls. Chile provides access to the remote Easter Island and scenic Pacific beaches.
Whether traveling for business or leisure, LATAM’s updated business cabin and expanded service options make a strong case for choosing the airline. LATAM operates routes from New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Orlando (MCO), Boston (BOS) and Las Vegas (LAS). With the new cabins, passengers can expect to arrive rested, on time, and ready for what’s next.