LATAM has implemented changes in their Economy Class onboard service that have allowed the carrier to eliminate over 1,200 tons of single-use plastics, the equivalent of 36,000 500 ml plastic bottles. The carrier aims to emiminate all single-use plastics by 2023.
On Wednesday (September 14, 2022), LATAM Airlines announced the implementation of Economy Class service changes which have resulted in the elimination of 75 percent of single-use plastics. The changes have allowed the carrier to eliminate over 1,200 tons of single-use plastics, the equivalent of 36,000 500 ml plastic bottles. With the goal of creating a more sustainable cabin, the new service replaces typical service items such as cups, cutlery and trays with more environmentally friendly items like bamboo cutlery packaged in kraft paper, reusable trays and certified sustainable paper cups. This initiative is part of LATAM’s commitment to eliminate all single-use plastics by 2023.
In Wednesday’s announcement, LATAM Airlines Group’s Vice President of Customers, Paulo Miranda, said,
“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 on board our international flights. Our teams got involved to redefine all details of our service, making a positive change for our customers, and also for our planet.”
LATAM's New, More Sustainable Cabin Service Items Eliminate 75 Percent of Single-Use Plastics - Courtesy LATAM Airlines
These changes are in addition to previous changes made in LATAM’s Premium Business Class cabin which includes the incorporation of reusable bags to cover rest items, and eco travel kits for passengers that include a bamboo toothbrush with a sugar cane lid and earplugs packaged in kraft paper, as well as socks and eye covers made from recycled plastic. The Group has also implemented recycling and reuse measures. On domestic flights in Chile, Peru, Colombia and Ecuador, LATAM has launched a ‘Recycle Your Trip’ program, where cabin crew members separate plastic and cans onboard. In Colombia, the process takes place on the ground. Additionally, LATAM is collaborating with female entrepreneurs and partner organizations to recycle employee uniforms in Peru, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil.
LATAM Airlines Group S.A. is the leading airline group in Latin America, offering service in five domestic markets (Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru) as well as international service within Latin America and to Europe, Oceania, the United States and the Caribbean. The Group operates a fleet of Boeing 767, 777, and 787s, as well as Airbus A319, A320, A320neo, A321 aircraft. LATAM Cargo Chile, LATAM Cargo Colombia and LATAM Cargo Brazil are the LATAM Airlines freight subsidiaries. In addition to passenger aircraft belly hold cargo capacity, the Group operates a fleet of 15 dedicated freighters, which will be expanded to between 19 and 21 by 2023.
Source: LATAM Airlines