LATAM Group resumes regular operations to Rapa Nui

At 09:27 on August 4, the first LATAM flight departed from Arturo Merino Benítez Airport to Rapa Nui, marking the beginning of the reactivation of regular operations to that destination, which remained closed for more than two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The CO2 emissions from this inaugural flight will be neutralized through "Vuela Neutral", the LATAM group's compensation program through strategic ecosystem conservation projects in the region, an initiative that is part of the group's sustainability strategy that aims to be carbon neutral by 2050.

In a first stage, the resumption of the route to Easter Island considers two weekly frequencies (Thursday and Saturday) operated by a Boeing 787-9, with capacity for 30 passengers in Premium Business cabin and 274 passengers in Economy cabin. It is important to note that Rapa Nui is one of the most remote islands on the planet and the route to reach it is also one of the most complex at an operational level in the world. Thanks to the expertise, infrastructure and high security standards offered by the group, passengers can enjoy connectivity and security on their flights with peace of mind.

“We are very pleased to conclude a difficult stage for the Rapa Nui community. During these two and a half years, in coordination with the local authorities, we maintained a limited connectivity which allowed us to transport patients and essential personnel for the operation of the island, as well as basic supplies such as medicines, food from JUNAEB and vaccines. With the progressive restoration of regular flights, families will be able to meet again, the supply of various supplies will improve and tourism, the main source of income and employment on the island, will return”, said the Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability of LATAM, Juan Jose Toha.

Throughout the pandemic, LATAM helped keep the people of Rapa Nui supplied and connected. In addition to operating weekly freighter flights, which allowed the transport of passengers and goods -including 19,700 vaccines against Covid-19 for free-, the group carried out, together with the Municipality, seven passenger charter flights, transporting nearly 4,000 people. . In turn, LATAM has transported 59 tons of waste from the island to the mainland this year, accumulating a total of 338 tons of waste mobilized in the pandemic. On the other hand, since March of this year, the group has neutralized the CO2 emissions of the weekly cargo flight.