LATAM Airlines Group has released its first combined sustainability report since the merger between LAN and TAM.

The report details important information about the airline group’s social, economic and environmental performance in 2013.

The report reveals that greenhouse gas emissions for the whole group in 2013 equalled 79kg CO2/100 RTK, while the total energy and fuel consumption across the group in 2013 totalled 59,721,869 kWh.

Looking ahead, it is estimated that total savings in energy consumption for 2015 will equate to USD $200,000.

LAN Airlines reported a reduction in fuel consumption of 3.42 per cent year on year, while TAM Airlines recycled a total of 31.4 per cent of its waste in 2013.

The report also revealed that a total 4.1 million foreign passengers were transported to key South American destinations in 2013.

From this, the company estimates that around USD $4.3 billion in revenue contributed to the South American tourism industry, including expenditure in airports, accommodation, meals, transfers, sightseeing and shopping.

Given the impact on local economies, LATAM Airlines Group has endeavoured to promote sustainable tourism with the development of a responsible operation that preserves both the cultural and environmental heritage in the different locations and countries where LAN and TAM operate.

The report also emphasizes the ongoing quest for efficiency in flight operations, focusing on business sustainability and reducing environmental impact, placing focus on fleet modernisation and operational efficiency to boost results.

Today, LATAM Airlines Group’s fleet averages seven years old, one of the most modern in the industry, resulting in greater fuel use efficiencies and less greenhouse gas emissions.

The company has committed to investments of more than USD $12.2 billion until 2020 for 166 new aircraft, which include the Boeing 787 and Airbus A320neo and A350.