According to Cristina de Melo, Commercial Manager of LATAM Airlines Peru, the airline plans to operate at least 65 flights to Arequipa during the last week of September, on the occasion of the most important mining convention in the world, PERUMIN. Additionally, she pointed out that the impact of all flights will be mitigated through its innovative offset program, which will double the benefits to the environment.

What are Latam Airlines' expectations for PERUMIN 36?

We have a commitment to Peru and particularly to the Arequipa region. Arequipa is not only a region with which we have a commercial commitment (we currently operate an average of 12 daily flights from Lima and Cusco), but also a social commitment (last year we offered one of our aircrafts to the Arequipa destination brand to promote tourism and the identity of this beautiful land).

Therefore, we believe that PERUMIN is one more opportunity that allows us to strengthen this commitment and shed light on the region by bringing very important stakeholders from different industries that also make up an interesting client portfolio for our operations.

Approximately how many flights will be operated because of the mining convention?

We plan to operate more than 60 flights between September 25 and 29, carrying a significant number of passengers who will undoubtedly be visitors to the mining convention.

What promotions will be offered to those traveling to Arequipa during the event?

Within the framework of our partnership, we have become the official airline of the event. Just as in our other domestic connections, our commitment is to offer a high-quality and rapid service with a wide range of connections to the provinces of the country and, of course, doing so with safety. Being part of PERUMIN merely strengthens the commitment we have as an airline operator for the development of the country and its regions.

How will you offset the impact of emissions generated by air travel?

This year in May we publicly announced the launch of our passenger offset program “1+1: Offset to Conserve.” It is a program that allows passengers to voluntarily offset the carbon footprint of their travels. LATAM will match the offset, doubling the benefit to the environment. Of course, the route to and from Arequipa is part of this program and we invite all our passengers to join this great cause. Naturally, we also add the component of allied companies that, through their corporate flights, and traveling to Arequipa as part of the event, can also contribute to offsetting their carbon footprint with our program.

What additional control measures have been taken for travel to the region?

Given the significant number of passengers that will arrive in the region during these dates, we have strengthened our operation to Arequipa during this month, and naturally we have also reinforced our workforce to make more efficient our operational processes related to the arrival and departure of passengers at the Rodriguez Ballon International Airport. Our operation and onboard service team are ready to deliver a service that meets the needs of our passengers.

What arrangements will you have in place for the transportation of passengers to the event or their accommodation?

Arequipa is renowned for its important hotel industry and its tourist operation in general. In this regard, our LATAM Travel services are available to our clients in order to offer an unforgettable travel experience.

How relevant is the mining convention for the revitalization of tourism sector?

It is very important. It places the Arequipa region, an eminently mining region, which is known in the entire country for its copper exports, in the country's spotlight. It also allows us to anticipate the arrival of a large number of prominent people, businessmen and politicians, who will potentially present interesting plans for the economic reactivation of the region.