As part of its commitment to environmental conservation and biodiversity, LATAM Airlines Group, through its Solidarity Plane program, has successfully completed the air transfer of three Andean condors in collaboration with Proyecto Manku, contributing to the ongoing recovery and protection of Chile’s native species.
The condors were transported from Talagante, in the Metropolitan Region, to Balmaceda, Aysén Region, before being transferred by land to Patagonia National Park, where they will undergo a two-month acclimatization period prior to their release into the wild.
The birds had been rehabilitated at the Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Center (CRAR) in Talagante following rescue and recovery efforts. Their relocation marks a vital step in reintroducing the condors to one of their main natural habitats — the vast Andean ranges between central Chile and Patagonia, home to approximately 70% of the national condor population.
To ensure the condors’ welfare and safety during transport, LATAM Cargo Group coordinated a specialized operation involving multiple teams experienced in handling wildlife and delicate species. Every stage of the journey was meticulously planned and executed to uphold the highest animal welfare and quality standards.
Cristián Saucedo, Director of the Wildlife Program at Rewilding Chile, said:
“Releasing condors in the far south is highly beneficial, as they have abundant food sources and it allows us to study their ecology in an almost pristine environment.
In central Chile, which is more densely populated, we continue to rehabilitate and monitor them as well. Understanding these differences is key to addressing the challenges of their conservation.”
Constanza Pizarro, Corporate Communications Manager at LATAM Airlines Group, added:
“Our collaboration with Proyecto Manku reinforces the purpose of Solidarity Plane: using LATAM’s connectivity to generate positive impact in the regions where we operate.
Supporting the transport of native wildlife during rehabilitation—such as these condors—is a tangible way to contribute to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem balance in Chile.”
The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), an iconic symbol of the Andes and one of the world’s largest flying birds, faces a fragile conservation outlook. In Chile, its wild population is estimated at just 1,500 to 2,000 individuals, concentrated mainly in mountainous regions from Arica to Magallanes.
Through the Solidarity Plane program, LATAM continues to leverage its extensive route network to support initiatives promoting health, environmental protection, and humanitarian aid, reaffirming its role as a connector of communities and a steward of sustainability across South America.