LATAM Airlines Ecuador

The LATAM Airlines Group, of which LATAM Airlines Ecuador is a subsidiary, generally maintains a committed approach to safety. The group has actively participated in international safety initiatives, such as IATA's Regional Coordinating Group for LATAM/CAR, which focuses on operational and technical safety matters.

Recent Safety Record and Notable Incidents:

While LATAM is generally considered to have a "pretty good safety record compared to other South American carriers," there have been a few notable incidents involving the broader LATAM Group:

• In October 2022, a minor incident occurred due to severe weather, with no loss of life.
• A major accident in November 2022 resulted from a firetruck mistakenly entering the runway during takeoff, leading to loss of life on the firetruck and the aircraft being written off.
• In August 2023, an incident involved a pilot passing away during a flight, with no loss of aircraft.
• In March 2024, a major incident occurred due to an extreme nose-down maneuver, which is currently under investigation with no reported loss of life.
• A Boeing 777 operated by LATAM Brasil experienced a severe tail strike during takeoff from Milan in July 2024, attributed to pilot error in data input; there were no injuries to passengers or crew.
• Due to the Milan tail strike incident and the tragic crash of Voepass Flight 2283 (a codeshare partner that carried a LATAM flight number), AirlineRatings.com reduced LATAM's safety rating to 4/7 in August 2024.

Regulatory Certifications:

LATAM Airlines Group has received high accolades for its safety and hygiene standards. It was awarded the "COVID-19 Aeronautical Excellence Award" and the "Diamond" category, the highest in the APEX Health Safety standard, for its safety and hygiene measures during the pandemic. Additionally, LATAM Airlines was certified with a 4-Star COVID-19 Safety Rating by Skytrax, being the first airline in South America to achieve this recognition. LATAM Ecuador's maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations also undergo periodic meetings with DGAC Ecuador to review its Safety Management System (SMS) Manual. There is no information suggesting that LATAM Airlines Ecuador is currently on the EU Air Safety List.

Fleet Age and Maintenance Reputation:

The LATAM Group is committed to maintaining a modern fleet. Its fleet has grown by 12% in the past two years, incorporating 30 new Airbus neo and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft since 2023, which are more fuel-efficient. As of February 2025, the average age of the LATAM Group's fleet is 12.1 years, with narrow-body aircraft averaging 8.6 to 16.6 years and wide-body aircraft averaging 8.7 to 17.3 years. The airline group actively invests in maintaining its aircraft, with 100% of its narrow-body fleet and 57% of its wide-body fleet having undergone cabin renewals. LATAM has also seen significant improvements in maintenance efficiency, reducing labor hours for line maintenance tasks by nearly 30% through the use of OEM-approved engine pedestals.

Overall Safety Assessment:

Based on available data, LATAM Airlines Ecuador, as part of the LATAM Group, demonstrates a strong commitment to operational safety, evidenced by its participation in international safety forums and numerous certifications related to safety and hygiene protocols, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the group has experienced a few notable incidents, some attributed to human error or external factors, and a recent reduction in its safety rating by AirlineRatings.com due to these events and a codeshare partner's accident, the airline actively manages its fleet with a focus on modern aircraft and efficient maintenance practices.