LATAM have just exclusively announced a brand new look for their short haul and long haul cabins, being rolled out on their Airbus A320 family aircraft and new 787-9 and A350 fleet. This is the first real sign of unification between the two airlines, who have been working together since 2012. Conceived by Priestmangoode, the new domestic cabins feature another refreshing and culturally sensitive design. The use of the Recaro BL3520 seats is a economic masterpiece, weighing 30% lighter than it’s previous model, whilst still offering a sleek, well designed and comfortable passenger experience. There are no business class seats in these short haul cabins, in a similar move to major European carriers making a flexible sized business class cabin dependant on route and demand.
Two aircraft already feature the new design including a LAN Airbus A320, servicing domestic routes within Chile and a TAM Airbus A321, servicing domestic routes within Brazil. Moving forward, all of the new Airbus A320 and A321 short-haul aircraft will feature the new cabin interior and seats, giving passengers more space and comfort.
The fabric for the seats in the short-haul cabins was designed incorporating four colors and two different leather textures. For the new long-haul cabins, the fabric incorporates more cloth elements to create maximum comfort for longer flights.
Beginning in 2015, LATAM Airlines Group will incorporate two new aircraft models into the long-haul fleet with the Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A350-900 that will feature the new cabin design and offer two classes of service, Economy and Premium Business.
The new unified cabin design is one of the most tangible examples of standardization between the two airlines since the merger. With a focus on a comfortable and welcoming experience, the design was inspired by South America’s colors and textures combining elegant natural tones that reflect the passionate culture and warmth of the region.
Jerome Cadier, Marketing Vice-President, LATAM Airlines Group, said, “We hope our passengers continue to enjoy the experience of flying with LAN and TAM and that they share the same passion we have for flying.”
But this airline is just one of many recently embracing looking internally to inspire their cabin offerings. South African recently showcased a brilliant example of this (also designed by Priestmangoode), and both Fiji Airways and Hawaiian Airlines also offering a sympathetic approach to their cultural roots. It is this sensibility that customers are responding to in a positive way. We will have a full report on this new trend on thedesignair.net soon.
“Every element was carefully selected and designed to include the best elements of the countries in the region to create a world class project. With these objectives in mind, the rich wood textures of the Amazon are present in several elements throughout the cabin, including part of the floor and details on the seats. The fabric, textures, colors, and patterns are reminiscent of the beautiful landscapes of our region. Even the iconic beaches of Ipanema were a source of inspiration for the cabins”, added Cadier.
We love the bright, bold and genuinely South American colour palette here, and whilst there are similarities to the approach between both South African and LATAM, there is no denying that these new aircraft joining the South American fleet, are a prime example of what makes South America so inspirational to so many. In the video it is possible to see beyond just the soft furnishings of the seats. The wooden effect floors, the grass carpet bulkheads and the geometric patterns in the toilets all impart the best of what South America has to offer and help break from the drab cabin surfaces known around the world.
Whilst the ‘premium business’ seats found on the 787-9 are similar to those we covered for Royal Brunei or more recently Kenya Airways and even Air India, they are fully flat and are offered in a 2 x 2 x 2 seat configuration (on the 787) and offer a large amount of personal space and are perfect for travelling with a partner.
This is a great step forward for a substantial carrier, especially considering between the two sub brands of LATAM, there is a fleet of over 300 aircraft needing to be aligned a little closer. We look forward to seeing the actual long haul aircraft as they come on to the line early 2015. Way to go LATAM!
Book you flight with LAN or TAM by visiting www.lan.com and www.tam.com.br
TheDesignAir 
So what will happen to TAM’s new business class cabin on the 777? Will that also be replaced around 2017 or so?
While the J seat looks nice it would have been nicer to see all aisle access, especially since most aircraft won’t have F cabins.
The business class seat in the picture with the book on the armrest is different from the seats shown in other pictures. Which one is the finalized C Class seat?
Stunning! Absolutely love it!
These guys at Priestmangoode they know how to design beautiful cabin interiors !!!… And now the great TAM first class product will be more in correlation than the actual cabin mix even if its a LAN aircraft introducing the products ( start to be quiet confusing who is who and decide of what with the Latamgroup merger). I am a less enthusiast with the eco section, with its generic red and blue preferred TAM’s previous version (B777-3).
Very nice! SImple, elegant with enough detail and colour to make it interesting and culturally relevent.
Congratulations on your beautiful new cabins that reflect the colors and textures of a diverse population and geography. I love that the premium cabin,especially, has such a beautiful mix of upscale warmth with seats that face forward instead of the very unpleasant herringbone pattern that most airlines use to ” shoehorn” as many passengers as possible into a confined cubicle. United Airlines, American, Lufthansa, and British Airways could learn a lot from your high standard of design, attention to tactile, and sensory experience. I hope to book a flight aboard your 787 and A-350-900 in the future!