LATAM Group’s Solidarity Plane programme has facilitated the free transportation of over 60 tonnes of humanitarian aid across Latin America, benefiting over 3,000 refugees supported by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.
This achievement marks the one-year anniversary of the partnership between the two organisations.
The Cargo subsidiaries played a crucial role in mobilising humanitarian aid in Panama, Brazil, and Chile. Notably, LATAM Cargo Colombia made history by transporting 600 tents (40 tonnes) from Colombia to Panama, providing temporary shelters for numerous refugees arriving in the region.
In Brazil, the Group transported 48 refugee housing units, accommodating around 190 individuals, along with over seven tonnes of hygiene products, diapers, and clothing for refugees in the country. Additionally, in Chile, 2 tonnes of waterproof plastic tarpaulins were transported to support emergency shelters established by UNHCR.
Johanna Cabrera, chief sustainability officer at LATAM, said: “In just over a year of partnership with UNHCR, we have intensively supported the free transportation of humanitarian aid and the large-scale shipment from Colombia to Panama is proof of this.
“The Solidarity Plane programme allows us to make ourselves available to society and work together to get closer every day to the communities where we operate.
“We hope to continue promoting our interest in being a social, environmental and economic asset for the region.
José Samaniego, regional director for the Americas at UNHCR, said: “The partnership with LATAM has been key to providing humanitarian assistance and services to refugees.
“On this World Refugee Day (June 20), dedicated to hope and inclusion, we invite other companies to join this process in order to promote a safe, dignified and stable life for the displaced population in their host communities.
LATAM Group’s Solidarity Plane programme collaborates with diverse foundations and institutions to utilize its infrastructure, connectivity, cargo, and passenger capacity free of charge in South America. The primary goal is to contribute to society by offering assistance in areas such as health, environmental concerns, and responses to natural disasters.