LATAM has announced the commencement of its cabin refurbishment process for 24 of its B787 Dreamliners, as part of an improvement plan for passenger fleet and onboard experience.
The cabin upgrade program, which started in September 2024, is valued at $360 million, with plans for new seats, onboard entertainment and design enhancements.
The renovation will include a new Premium Business cabin, featuring the new Recaro R7 Suite seat (previously known as CL6720).
LATAM claims that this particular seat model, from Recaro Aircraft Seating, is designed to offer greater privacy, personal space, and comfort for passengers. The upgrade will introduce privacy doors, making LATAM the first airline group in South America to offer this feature.
Economy class seats will be completely refurbished with ergonomically designed seats to provide more space and comfort.
Economy Plus seats will also be offered for those who prefer more legroom, greater recline, footrests and exclusive luggage space.
According to LATAM, out of the 24 aircraft to undergo retrofit, 10 are Boeing 787-8s, exclusive to the Chilean domestic market, and 14 are Boeing 787-9s, operating in Chile, Brazil, and Peru.
“With a design that reflects the unique essence of the LATAM Group and attention to the finest details, our new cabins have been created to offer a world-class travel experience,” Paulo Miranda, VP of Customers at LATAM Airlines Group said in a statement.
“The new Premium Business seats mark a significant leap forward, combining comfort, privacy, and elegance. These renovations position LATAM as a leader in the industry, providing our passengers with an unprecedented level of comfort and an exclusive flying experience,” Miranda added.
The first planes to be retrofitted will be the Boeing 787-8s, which are expected to begin commercial flights on March 1, 2025.
The entire refurbishment process of all 24 aircraft will take place at maintenance bases in São Carlos, Brazil, and Santiago, Chile. Installation is expected to be completed by mid-2026. According to the airline, each aircraft retrofit can take from one to three months.