Sebastián Acuto has taken on the role of Vice President of Operations and Maintenance (COO) at LATAM Airlines Group, assuming responsibility for the company’s Operations, Maintenance and Fleet areas.
In his new position, Acuto will focus on further strengthening the safety, punctuality and efficiency of LATAM’s operations, while continuing the airline group’s ongoing technological transformation.
He succeeds Hernán Pasman, who stepped down from the position of Vice President of Operations and Maintenance on August 31.
Acuto brings 17 years of experience at LATAM to the role. Since 2020, he has served as Director of Fleet and Projects, where he has been responsible for the group’s fleet strategy and planning.
During that period, he played a key role in negotiating aircraft and engine contracts throughout LATAM’s Chapter 11 process. His tenure also included the introduction of the Embraer E2 aircraft and the development of new products designed to improve the in-flight experience, particularly in terms of passenger comfort, onboard connectivity and operational efficiency.
Before becoming Director of Fleet and Projects, Acuto spent eight years as Director of Engineering and Maintenance. He also held several other operational positions within the group, where he promoted initiatives based on LEAN Six Sigma and continuous improvement methodologies.
“Taking on this challenge after 17 years at LATAM is a tremendous source of pride and, at the same time, a great responsibility,” said Acuto. “Safety will always remain our top priority. On this foundation, we aim to further strengthen an operation that is increasingly reliable, punctual and efficient, supported by the commitment and experience of our teams, as well as by technology, so that we can anticipate problems, make better decisions and consistently deliver on the promise we make to our passengers and cargo customers.”
Digitalisation will be another major focus during his tenure. Acuto intends to continue accelerating the digital transformation of LATAM’s operations and expanding the adoption of new technologies.
The executive sees data, artificial intelligence and automation as important tools for addressing some of the industry’s structural challenges. According to this approach, these technologies can help reduce errors and rework while supporting the development of increasingly efficient operations.
At the same time, Acuto emphasises that technology must remain closely connected to the customer, with passengers and cargo customers kept at the centre of operational decision-making.
Before joining LATAM, Acuto worked for McKinsey & Company in Argentina, where he specialised in operational transformations and LEAN Six Sigma methodology.
He holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from the Instituto Tecnológico de Buenos Aires (ITBA), as well as an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business.
