One of the concerns of LAN and LAN CARGO is to support the most remote areas of the countries in which they operate in order to deliver adequate connectivity for its needs.
In the case of Chile, one of these places is Easter Island. Located in the Polynesia, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, it has an area of 164 km2 and a population of over 5,000 inhabitants, and it has established itself as one of the main tourist destinations because of its natural beauty and its mysterious ancient culture.
Forty-six years after the first historic commercial flight to Easter Island, completed on April 3, 1967, LAN and LAN CARGO lead a series of sustainable initiatives aimed at contributing to the care and preservation of the area, as a World Heritage site.
These initiatives have contributed to the well-being and development of the island and especially to its connectivity, being the only airline that carries passengers and cargo to the Island.
After meeting with the authorities and local community, the company planned a series of initiatives to further support and promote tourism, as well as contribute to the Island’s care and preservation.
2010
Transport of Compacting Machine
In a program suported by the municipal government, in 2010 LAN contributed with the transportation of compacting machine to remove toxins and waste from the Island.
First Environmental Fair
October 2010
Organized by the city council, with the participation of government authorities and other private entities, in this instance school students presented their work in recycling and developing ecological bricks, “ecoladrillos”, which were exhibited for the future construction of the Island’s Environmental Office.
2011
Sustainable Office
January 2011
The construction of a fully sustainable LAN sales office was completed thar features energy efficiency equipment, active cooling (no air conditioning use) and waste management.
2013
Electronic Waste
June 2013
As part of World Recycling Day, LAN and LAN CARGO, in conjunction with Chilenter Foundation, called upon the Easter Island community to bring their obsolete electronics. Three tons of electronic waste were collected and transported to the mainland to be reconditioned by Chilenter and donated to different institutions. Not only was the waste recycled, but it contributed to the environmental care of the Island to as well.
After this, the company together with local authorities, agreed to continue with the initiative, extending it to other electronic devices.
Book Fair Easter Island
September 2013
LAN CARGO transported 450 kg of books donated to the Municipal Library of Easter Island. It also contributed to the first Book Fair of the Island, which took place on September 10 -12.
“Cuido mi Destino” in Rapa Nui
2010 – 2013
As a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, LAN carried out this year the third versión of this program that aims to promote Tourism awareness in new generations, through the care and maintenance of public places, enhancing the attractions of each city.
Future Initiatives
Cardboard Recycling
Among the commitments made by the company is recycling cardboard from Easter Island. For this, 500 tons of cardboard will be transported to the mainland, distributed on weekly flights.
Electronic Waste
Given the good results obtained in the recycling of electronic waste held in June of this year, a second project of this nature is being planned with smaller electronic waste on the Island.