LATAM Airlines Group completed its first 13 passenger charter flights using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) , a project that is part of its sustainability strategy and its goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

The flights operated between Santiago, Chile, and Ushuaia, Argentina , and were allocated 22,400 gallons of SAF (Safety and Fuel Oil) under the Book and Claim chain of custody methodology . This initiative marks the airline’s first emissions reduction project associated with passenger charter operations, developed in partnership with a client.

“This operation together with Ponant Explorations demonstrates that today there are already concrete mechanisms for our customers to be part of the reduction of emissions associated with their air operations, while we continue to promote the development and adoption of sustainable aviation fuels in the region,” said Thibaud Morand, LATAM Airlines’ general manager for Europe, Asia and Oceania.

He explained that the reduction of 160 tons of emissions was calculated following the methodology established by CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation), of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) , comparing the emission factors of the Jet-A1 fossil fuel with those of the SAF used.

“This collaboration with LATAM represents another step in our commitment to more sustainable tourism,” commented Wassim Daoud, Director of CSR and Sustainable Development at Ponant Explorations.

LATAM Airlines Group is working on fleet modernization, operational efficiency, promoting the use of SAF and offsetting emissions through strategic projects for the region as a complementary measure.

For an aviation company, fuel represents between 30% and 40% of operating costs, so SAF is an alternative to achieve its sustainability goals.

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LATAM Airlines Group continues to advance its growth and fleet modernization plan, projecting to exceed 400 aircraft this year, following the addition of 41 new planes , including the first Embraer aircraft , intended to strengthen the domestic network in Brazil and provide greater operational flexibility in that market.

“This growth not only responds to a greater need for connectivity both within the region and with other international markets, but also to our conviction that the future of aviation must be more efficient and sustainable. Each new aircraft we will be incorporating will feature state-of-the-art technology that will allow us to reduce our emissions, as well as make concrete progress on our roadmap for net-zero emissions by 2050,” emphasized Sebastián Acuto, Director of Fleet and Projects at LATAM Airlines Group.

He recalled that at the close of 2025, the group reached 371 aircraft , after incorporating 26 new planes during the year, all of the latest generation, positioning itself among the 12 airlines with the largest fleet in the world.

Looking ahead to 2027, the company expects to add 27 additional aircraft, including the first Airbus XLR , a model that will allow for extended range on medium-haul routes.

By 2030, LATAM Airlines plans to add more than 130 new aircraft from various manufacturers. With this addition, it projects that more than 50% of its fleet—at least 200 aircraft—will consist of state-of-the-art models.

Acuto commented that this will allow for a reduction of between 20% and 25% in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to previous models, in addition to optimizing fuel consumption, according to data from the manufacturers.

With these advances, the firm consolidates one of the largest and most modern fleets in the region, reinforcing its competitive position and its commitment to efficiency and sustainability towards net zero emissions by 2050.

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