LATAM Airlines Ecuador: From Former LAN Ecuador to the Group's South American Network

From LAN Ecuador to LATAM Group Subsidiary

In its early years its operations relied on two Boeing 767-300ERs for international routes, with domestic flights starting only in 2009 after regulatory approval. Like the entire LATAM group, the airline went through its parent's Chapter 11 process, which began in May 2020, and emerged with a simpler fleet structure than before.

From Widebody to a Simplified Narrowbody Fleet

The current fleet numbers 11 aircraft, 9 Airbus A319s and 2 A320neos, after the departure of the earlier Boeing 767-300ERs, Airbus A318s and A320-200s: a simplification consistent with medium-haul regional routes rather than direct intercontinental flights from Ecuador.

A Regional Network with Miami as a Foothold

Routes link Quito and Guayaquil to Lima, Bogotá, Santiago and Miami, with codeshare agreements with Delta, Iberia and Air Nostrum extending the network's reach beyond South America. The LATAM Pass loyalty program is shared with the rest of the group, an advantage for anyone who often flies other LATAM subsidiaries in South America.

What passengers say

Those who compare LATAM Ecuador with its fellow Ecuadorian carrier Avianca Ecuador often point to more convenient schedules on some international routes, particularly to Miami, and a broader loyalty program thanks to the LATAM group's regional network. Among the most common complaints are extra charges for checked baggage on basic fares and a domestic network that is smaller than it used to be.

Anyone who wants to earn or spend LATAM Pass miles on a broad South American regional network, or who needs a direct flight to Miami, will find LATAM Ecuador the most convenient option. It is a different story for anyone seeking the absolute lowest fare on routes where it competes head-to-head with Avianca Ecuador at the same time of day.

Always check which fare you are buying (Light, Plus or Top): only the higher tiers include checked baggage, while the basic fare excludes it on almost all regional routes.