The LATAM Group has transported more than 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines free of charge within Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and Peru. The initiative is part of LATAM’s Solidarity Plane program that uses LATAM’s passenger and cargo capacity for the benefit of people and the environment, at no cost.
“Each of LATAM’s collaborators are proud to be able to contribute to overcoming the pandemic. Today, we have transported the 100 millionth dose of COVID vaccine for free. We will remain committed to making our network available to benefit the lives and health of the people of South America,” said Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group.
With more than 10 years of history, LATAM’s “Solidarity Plane” program is part of the Shared Value pillar of the group’s sustainability strategy. It seeks to generate value in society through connectivity. To date, it has mobilised more than 2,400 health professionals and patients with urgent medical needs, and more than 770 tons of cargo, including medical supplies and vaccines, in South America.
Other areas of action of “Solidarity Plane” are:
- Health Solidarity Plane: Airlift to attend the transportation needs of patients, health professionals and medical supplies; or connecting a patient to a donor through the transport of organs, tissues, and stem cells.
- Environmental Solidarity Plane: Transportation of flora and fauna for their protection, as well as the transfer of scientists and members of environmental NGOs who travel to protect the South American ecosystem.
- Natural Disasters Solidarity Plane: Transfer of affected individuals and professionals who travel in support of disasters and humanitarian aid in the event of floods, fires, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods or volcanic eruptions.
LATAM Airlines Group and its efforts to combat COVID-19 in South America:
- Transported doses: More than 100M
- Flights involved: More than 1,700
- Health professionals: More than 2,400 transported
Vaccination rates are rising quickly in South America with the following rates reported in the past week:
- Brazil: nearly 64 percent of the population has received at least one dose of a vaccine
- Chile and Uruguay: more than 70 percent of the population has been fully vaccinated
- Argentina: more than 61 percent of the population has received at least one dose of a vaccine.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald
LATAM flights will resume from Sydney to Santiago in early 2022.