The 82nd International Air Transport Association (IATA) AGM in Rio de Janeiro was an opportunity for one of the most dynamic and successful airlines from an emerging market to showcase its vision and achievements.

LATAM Airlines, which was the host carrier for the annual event for the first time, is the only airline that connects South America with North America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania.

Headquartered in Las Condes, Chile, and founded in 1929, the airline operates 378 aircraft and 1,600 flights daily, employs 42,000 people, and serves 161 destinations in 27 countries

Jerome Cadier, CEO of LATAM Airlines Brazil, said: “We are constantly fighting short-term battles when we should be reducing the cost of flying and driving greater efficiency for this industry. It is essential to secure a long-term development vision and regulatory stability.”

With group CEO Roberto Alvo, confirmed as chairman of the IATA Board of Governors, the spotlight was shone on LATAM’s work addressing some of aviation’s key issues.

The key areas the airline has been focusing on include sustainability, connectivity, innovation and AI as well as customer experience and regional growth.

LATAM Airlines is committed to using technology and AI to drive operational efficiencies and underpin its commitment to achieving net-zero status by 2050.

It also plans to invest $500 million in more premium cabins to build on becoming the first Latin American airline to achieve a four-star Skytrax rating and its five-star APEX status.