On December 23rd, the S&P Global released its 2024 Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). The Dow Jones Sustainability Index measures companies’ environmental, social, and cooperative government practices.
According to the rating agency, the LATAM Airlines Group
ranked first as the most sustainable airline in the Americas and fifth among airlines worldwide. The achievement highlights the airline’s commitment to sustainability.
A sustainability powerhouse
LATAM Airlines Group achieved an impressive score of 67 points across social, environmental, and economic dimensions, a three-point improvement over last year’s score. The score places it above most of the world’s airlines, with only a handful of Asian carriers receiving higher scores this year.
Photo: Travers Lewis | Shutterstock
The high score and improvement showcase LATAM
’s dedication to embedding sustainability as a core principle of its operations. The group is setting benchmarks regionally and internationally. The airline’s consistent efforts to align its business practices with global sustainability standards have made it a leader in sustainable and responsible aviation practices.
CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, Roberto Alvo, had this to say about the achievement:
“LATAM group has set out to work on sustainability from a wide and crosscutting perspective while continuing to connect and transport its passengers. We are pleased to see that the path it has laid out is being highly fruitful today; however, it is convinced that there is still much to be done. It will continue working consistently to move forward in the roadmap towards net-zero emissions, incorporating a circular economic model and generating value to the communities where the group operates.”
Photo: LATAM
The ranking also marks the airline’s return to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) after a five-year hiatus. The gap of half a decade was mainly due to the carrier’s reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.
Now that it has been reinstated, LATAM is a member of both the Chilean DJSI and the MILA Pacific Alliance Index, which recognizes high-performing companies across Chile, Colombia, and Peru.
What the company has achieved
The LATAM Group has focused on three sustainability targets: climate change, circular economy, and shared value. The main sustainability goals include:
- Reach zero net emissions by 2050
- Eliminate single-use plastics in its operation
- Reach zero landfill waste by 2027
- “Solidarity Plane” program
Since 2020, the LATAM has compensated more than 1.9 million C02 tons and simultaneously supported the preservation of more than 300,000 hectares of flooded savannas in Colombia. This strategic ecosystem is known for its high CO2-capturing capability.
Photo: LATAM
Single-use plastics have now been reduced by 97% across the airline’s operations, representing more than 1,700 tons of CO2. The airline is actively working on completely eliminating single-use plastics in the near future.
Since 2021, the airline has been working with communities to offer free cargo and passenger transport through its “Solidarity Plane” program. Through the program, LATAM has provided free transportation for more than 6,600 passengers and 779 tonnes of cargo. The program maintains more than 50 alliances in 5 countries of South America, with organizations such as Teletón (Campaign for development disabilities), Bomberos de Chile (Firemen), and Coaniquem (Organization supporting burnt children), in the case of Chile.
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