Since the COVID-19 vaccines became available worldwide, LATAM Airlines Group has distributed over 50 million doses in South America. The company has achieved this goal, free of charge, using its “Solidarity Plane” program. Let’s investigate further.
LATAM’s role in South America
South America is a continent that lacks the ground infrastructure to move goods effectively. There are not enough railways across the countries. Additionally, the landscape is pretty extreme, with mountains, deep rainforests, deserts, and more, all of which make ground transportation extremely hard.
Therefore, the airline industry is pivotal to keep commerce moving across South America. Being the largest airline in the region, LATAM Airlines Group plays a vital role in this market.
In a statement, the company said,
“LATAM has distributed more than 50 million doses in Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru; this is the equivalent to 40% of the doses administered in the region and 2% of the doses worldwide.”
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LATAM’s solidarity plane
To distribute the vaccines, LATAM uses its Solidarity Plane, a program with more than ten years of history.
This program seeks to generate value in society through connectivity, LATAM said. To date, it has mobilized in South America more than 1,800 health professionals and patients with urgent medical needs. LATAM has also carried more than 570 tons of cargo, including medical supplies and vaccines.
The airlift allows remote communities to transport patients, doctors, supplies, and even organs, tissues, and stem cells. But not only that, but LATAM also has an environmental solidarity plane, offering to transport scientists and members of environmental NGOs.
Roberto Alvo, LATAM Airlines Group CEO, said,
“We are honored to be able to contribute from our role to defeat COVID-19. We understand that our role is not only to connect this region with the world but also to contribute to the well-being of the communities of South America. That is why we will continue to make our Solidarity Plane program available to support the transfer of vaccines, people, supplies or cargo in health matters, natural disasters or care for the environment.”
LATAM Cargo, the highlight of the company
Due to many travel restrictions in South America, LATAM continues to operate at just 36% of its pre-pandemic levels. Nevertheless, the company has seen a surge in freighter activities.
Moreover, LATAM recently signed an agreement to convert up to ten B767-300ER to freighters with Boeing. The deliveries will happen in the next two years and will boost LATAM’s cargo capabilities by 90% while reducing LATAM’s passenger long-haul fleet.
LATAM, the most punctual airline in the world
Recently, the Official Airline Guide (OAG) and Cirium recognized LATAM as the most punctual carrier in the world.
According to Cirium’s, LATAM had a 94.68% punctuality percentage in May 2021. The South American company was the first place among Latin American operators. Roberto Alvo said,
“We are taking care of our customer’s time, and we make every effort to ensure that each of our flights takes off and lands on time. We will continue working with our teams to maintain this compliance.”
Did you expect LATAM to carry that many vaccines? Let us know in the comments below.