LATAM: New Business Class with doors for 787 Dreamliners

Brazillian flights and points website Points to Fly (Pontos pra Voar) is previewing the new Business Class suites to be installed in the airline’s Boeing 787 fleet.

The Cabins

The main innovation is the now essential privacy door on the Business Class suites based on the Recaro R7 platform. Economy seats will also receive an upgrade, providing more comfort and space for travellers. Premium Economy passengers will get greater recline and extra storage space.

LATAM is changing the configuration of its 787-8s moving from 30 business class seats in a 2-2-2 configuration to 20 seats in an all-aisle access 1-2-1 layout.

The larger and longer-range 787-9s will maintain their 30-seat Business Class cabins with the new suites.

The entertainment system, LATAM Play will also receive an upgrade, including partnerships with streaming services such as MAX, Paramount Plus and Disney Plus.

LATAM will be spending US$360 million on the renewal of 24 aircraft consisting of 24 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft.

Installation timetable

The cabin updates will start with the 787-8s in the first half of 2025 based in Chile, followed by the 787-9s based in Brazil, Chile and Peru. The upgrade, which will be performed within South American facilities (São Carlos, Brazil, and Santiago, Chile) is scheduled to be completed by the second half of 2026.

2PAXfly Takeout

LATAM has a reputation for an inconsistent business product in its fleet. This new use of the doored Recaro R7 seat will at least bring it up to date.

I loved the openness of the 787 cabin with its spacious Business Cabin. The new seats will bring the cabin up-to-date with modern desires for privacy and direct aisle access from all seats.

It’s a pity that LATAM is no longer in OneWorld. On the other hand, it’s good that it still has a partnership agreement with Qantas.