LATAM removes passenger seats to boost cargo capacity

LATAM argo Group has successfully completed its first Boeing 777-300ER aircraft conversion at its Sao Paulo Maintenance Center.

The procedure, which was carried out by staff from LATAM’s maintenance, engineering, flight operations, cabin maintenance and cargo operations teams, involved the temporary removal of the aircraft’s passenger seats to increase its cargo capacity by 20%.

The aircraft’s transformation is part of LATAM Cargo’s strategy, which aims to maximise its capacity, optimise its resources and continue transporting essential cargo — such as medical supplies — to Latin America from locations in Asia.

Andrés Bianchi, LATAM Cargo Group’s chief executive, said: “The changes we have implemented aim to quickly mitigate the impact of the reductions in belly capacity, thereby offering our clients additional alternatives.

“Utilizing passenger aircraft exclusively for cargo transportation allows us to move towards this goal and also to continue supporting our clients at a critical time for their businesses.

“I am deeply grateful for the teams’ commitment, diligence and effort to this time-critical project.

“Thanks to them, we are able to support the supply chain and meet both countries’ and our clients’ needs in due time and form.”