LATAM has pledged to eliminate all single-use plastics in its operations by 2023.
LATAM Airlines Group has announced it is implementing changes in its economy cabin, and it is eliminating 75% of single-use plastics onboard. This initiative is part of the group’s commitment to eliminate all single-use plastics in its operations by 2023 and improve its sustainability efforts.
Earlier this year, LATAM Airlines Group announced its commitment to eliminate all single-use plastics in its operations by 2023. To do so, the airline has launched several initiatives, such as changing onboard materials, incorporating more sustainable elements, and recycling and reuse programs. On Thursday, LATAM announced changes to its economy cabin service that will enable it to eliminate more than 1,200 tons of single-use plastic, equivalent to eliminating 36,000 plastic 500 ml bottles.
The new service seeks to implement a more sustainable cabin and considers important changes in the materiality of all the elements onboard (cups, cutlery, trays), replacing them with more sustainable materials such as bamboo cutlery, reusable trays, kraft paper packaging for cutlery and certified sustainable paper cups. Paulo Miranda, LATAM Airlines Group Vice President of Customers,
“Caring for the planet is a challenge for everyone and a necessary destination for LATAM, which is why we reviewed our services and identified nearly 1,800 tons of single-use plastic onboard our international flights. Thus, our teams got involved in redefining all the details of the service, making a positive change for our customers and our planet.”
On June 1, LATAM launched several changes to its Premium Business service. It started with the use of reusable bags to cover the rest of the items on international flights in the Premium Business cabin and new travel kits with more sustainable elements such as bamboo toothbrushes, socks and eye covers made from recycled plastic, and kraft paper wrappers.
The South American company has also launched other recycling and reuse initiatives. For instance, on domestic flights in Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador, LATAM introduced the Recicla Tu Viaje (Recycle Your Trip) program, through which cabin crew members separate plastic and cans onboard or on the ground (in the case of Colombia).
Additionally, LATAM has partnered up with women entrepreneurs and partner organizations, reusing uniforms from its staff in Peru, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil, giving a second life to these pieces of clothing. These initiatives are part of LATAM’s sustainability strategy. The airline aims to have zero waste to landfill by 2027, reduce and offset 50% of its domestic emissions by 2030, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
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As of 2022’s third quarter, LATAM Airlines’ fleet is composed of 301 aircraft, including 286 passenger jets, 14 cargo Boeing 767-300, and one plane subleased. As of September 2022, the company has around 9,084 weekly flights operated by its branches across South America.
Earlier this week, LATAM Airlines announced it began the final phase of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy process. The company will make available 605 billion shares in Chile and expects to raise up to US$8 billion in the next few months.
What do you think about LATAM’s sustainability efforts? Let us know in the comments below.
Lead Journalist - South America - Daniel comes to Simple Flying with many years of aviation journalism experience, having worked with Mexican publication A21, Roads & Kingdoms, El Economista and more. His degree in journalism allows him to form beautifully crafted and insightful pieces. His specialist knowledge of Latin American airlines and close relationship with the likes of Aeromexico, Avianca, Volaris brings depth to our coverage in the region. Based in Mexico City, Mexico.