Achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, reducing emissions through new technologies and protecting iconic ecosystems in South America are some of the commitments included in Latam’s new sustainability strategy, launched today. Consisting of four core pillars: environmental management, climate change, circular economy and shared value, the strategy positions sustainability at the centre of the business and aims to stimulate social, environmental and economic development of the region by collaborating with passengers, employees, suppliers and communities over the next 30 years.

Commenting on the launch, Latam Airlines Group CEO Roberto Alvo said: “We are facing a critical moment in the history of humanity, with a serious climate crisis and a pandemic that has changed our society. Today, it is not enough to do the usual. As a group we have the responsibility to go further in the search for collective solutions”. 

He continued: “We want to promote the social, environmental and economic development of the region; therefore, we are assuming a commitment that seeks to contribute to the conservation of ecosystems and the well-being of the people of South America, making it a better place for all of them.”

A strategy spanning the next 30 years

Designed collaboratively with experts and environmental organisations from across the region, the sustainability strategy and its four key pillars demonstrate Latam’s commitment to South America and its economic development over the next three decades, according to the airline.

Within the climate change pillar, the group announced that it will work to reduce its emissions through the incorporation of sustainable fuels and new aviation technologies expected to be available in 2035. “The environment cannot wait 15 years to have the necessary technologies to reduce emissions. This is why we will work in parallel to promote these transformations and offset our emissions through nature-based solutions,” asserted Alvo.

Through the development of a portfolio of conservation projects and other initiatives, the Latam Group will contribute to offset 50 per cent of its domestic emissions by 2030, establishing a path to be carbon neutral by 2050. Additionally, the Latam Group will promote a programme that allows passengers, corporate and cargo customers the option of offsetting the CO2 emissions associated with their trips. In conjunction, the group will offset the same amount of CO2 emissions as customers under the 1+1 programme.

Elimination of single-use plastics

Within the circular economy pillar, the Latam Group is committed to promoting a culture of elimination, reduction, reuse and recycling throughout its operations, in order to generate zero waste to landfill by 2027. To achieve this, single-use plastics will be eliminated by 2023, the on-board recycling programme will be expanded on all domestic routes and all lounges made 100 per cent sustainable. 

Similarly, the group will implement a uniform recycling programme in all countries and replace on board materials with compostable, recyclable or certified items.

As part of the shared value pillar, the group will expand its capacity to transport cargo and people for health programmes, natural disasters and environmental care. Since the beginning of the pandemic the Solidarity Plane has transported more than 29.4 million vaccines free of charge, more than 1,400 health professionals, over 490 tonnes of medical supplies and more than 1,500 organs and tissue throughout South America.

Watch the airline’s campaign film, A Necessary Destination, here.

In March, Latam introduced a new flexible booking offer that allows passengers to purchase tickets from Europe to any South American destination and receive a full refund in the event of a cancellation, right up to the moment of departure.