Brazilian aviation is seeing a rapid rebound from COVID-19 passenger levels.

LATAM Brasil experienced 50% growth in Brazil during August, reflecting its sustainable growth in the South American nation.

In August 2022, LATAM Brasil transported 2.7 million passengers in Brazil, surpassing the mark set in August 2021 of 1.8 million.The states that saw the most growth were Goiás, Minas Gerais, and Paraná. Because of the significant growth in August, LATAM Brasil will increase its seat offerings in September by 40.1%, compared to September 2021. Aline Mafra, Director of Sales and Marketing LATAM Brasil, said,

"It is always encouraging to see people returning to their travel plans and responding to our increased offerings. LATAM's operations have become more efficient during the pandemic, and because of this, we have experienced competitive growth in a sustainable manner in Brazil."

It is important to note that LATAM Brasil also reached the historic mark of 54 destinations served, 10 more than before the COVID-19 pandemic. These destinations include the recent inaugurations in Presidente Prudente (São Paulo), Montes Claros (Minas Gerais), Juiz de Fora (Minas Gerais), Cascavel (Paraná), Caxias do Sul (Rio Grande do Sul), and Sinop (Mato Grosso).

The LATAM Airlines Group and all its subsidiaries predict that it will recover 81% of its seat offerings in September compared to September 2019 (pre-pandemic). This month, LATAM will operate almost 1,300 domestic and international daily flights to 142 destinations in 22 countries. LATAM's cargo operations have more than 1,200 flights scheduled this month. All of these projections are subject to improving conditions related to COVID in the countries in which the group currently operates.

Earlier this year, LATAM Airlines Group announced that it was committing to eliminating all single-use plastics in its operations by next year. LATAM has launched multiple initiatives to accomplish this goal, like changing onboard materials, recycling and reuse programs, and incorporating more sustainable elements. Last week, the airline announced that it would be changing its economy cabin service. These changes will allow the airline to eliminate more than 1,200 tons of single-use plastic, equivalent to eliminating 36,000 plastic 16.9-ounce (500ML) bottles.

Paulo Miranda, LATAM Airlines Group Vice President of Customers, said,

"Caring for the planet is a challenge for everyone and a necessary destination for LATAM, which is why we reviewed our services and identified nearly 1,800 tons of single-use plastic onboard our international flights. Thus, our teams got involved in redefining all the details of the service, making a positive change for our customers and our planet."

In June, LATAM also made changes to its business cabin, such as adding more sustainable elements to its amenity kits. Such elements include bamboo toothbrushes, socks and eye covers made from recycled plastic, and kraft paper plastics.

A full report of LATAM's recent sustainability initiatives can be found here.

What do you think of LATAM latest onboard sustainability programs? Is there anything that you would like to see the airline doing that it has not already introduced? Let us know in the comments below.

Journalist - Lukas flew for the first time before his first birthday, and has loved aviation since his earliest memory. Combining a passion for aviation, storytelling, and photography, Lukas joins the Simple Flying team from Colorado Springs in the United States.