Empowering the Amazon: LATAM Airlines Peru and UNESCO Peru Strengthen Sustainable Tourism Through the Segundo Vuelo Program

Published on November 8, 2025

In a groundbreaking collaboration that merges sustainability, culture, and empowerment, LATAM Airlines Peru and UNESCO Peru have expanded their Segundo Vuelo circular economy program to include the first Amazonian women’s craft association. This initiative represents a transformative step toward responsible and inclusive tourism in Peru, offering new opportunities for indigenous women while promoting a circular economy that gives a second life to disused materials. Thirteen Kukama Kukamiria craftswomen from the Fibra y Arte del Marañón association, based in the Native Community Río Marañón near Nauta, Loreto, have joined this initiative, turning unused airline materials such as uniforms and aircraft blankets into beautiful handcrafted textiles. By integrating ancestral knowledge with sustainable practices, the project strengthens women’s roles as guardians of cultural heritage and supports their financial independence, simultaneously enhancing Peru’s growing reputation as a hub for eco-friendly travel and community-based tourism.

Expanding the Reach of the Segundo Vuelo Initiative

The Segundo Vuelo program, initiated by LATAM Airlines Peru in 2018, has steadily evolved into a regional model for sustainable development. Through strategic collaboration with UNESCO Peru, it has expanded beyond the nation’s borders to countries such as Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, and Chile. This initiative was designed to reduce waste, repurpose materials, and encourage communities—especially women and young mothers—to develop artisanal enterprises that align with environmental goals.

By incorporating Fibra y Arte del Marañón, the project now highlights the deep connection between Amazonian craftsmanship and Peru’s cultural identity. Each item created by the association not only embodies the creativity and resilience of indigenous women but also reflects the rich natural heritage of the Amazon Basin. The materials used—such as chambira and aguaje fibers—are responsibly sourced from reforested areas, ensuring that both production and conservation go hand in hand.

A New Chapter for Amazonian Women Artisans

The inclusion of the 13 Kukama Kukamiria women from the Native Community Río Marañón marks a milestone for the Segundo Vuelo initiative. The artisans, aged between 28 and 71, represent a generational bridge that keeps traditional weaving techniques alive while adapting to modern sustainability practices. Through their work, they craft baskets, plates, and decorative items that tell stories of their land and community.

Living approximately 30 minutes by river from Nauta, these women exemplify how rural and indigenous communities can thrive when supported by initiatives that value both tradition and innovation. Their participation in the Segundo Vuelo program enables them to formalize their association, gain access to wider markets, and enhance visibility for their art within the growing eco-tourism sector in Peru. This advancement also reinforces the vital role of women in shaping the future of sustainable tourism across the Amazon region.

Strengthening Cultural Heritage Through Partnership

The partnership between LATAM Airlines Peru and UNESCO Peru underlines a shared vision: to protect and promote cultural heritage through sustainable economic empowerment. By linking environmental responsibility with traditional artistry, both organizations demonstrate that meaningful change can be achieved through collaborative action.

The involvement of UNESCO Peru ensures that indigenous craftsmanship is recognized not only as a source of income but also as an integral part of Peru’s intangible heritage. This recognition strengthens local pride and ensures that traditions are transmitted to younger generations, fostering continuity in a world where modernization often threatens cultural practices.

Such programs also serve as an inspiration to travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences. Tourists visiting regions like Loreto or Ayacucho can now appreciate handmade crafts that carry the story of Peru’s people and environment, turning each purchase into a contribution to the preservation of living heritage.

Sustainable Progress and Tangible Impact

The Segundo Vuelo program has achieved remarkable outcomes since its inception. By the end of 2024, the initiative had donated over 35,000 disused garments and 900 kilograms of seat covers to community organizations. These materials have been transformed into more than 15,000 unique products, each item representing a symbol of creativity and sustainability.

With the addition of Fibra y Arte del Marañón, the program now supports four active associations across Peru: Sunqu Suwa in Ayacucho, SISAN – Pachacamac Museum Artisans’ Association, and San Miguel Arcángel Association in Cajamarca. Each group contributes its own artistic tradition and cultural identity, enriching the diversity of the project.

The initiative directly contributes to LATAM Airlines Group’s broader environmental goal of achieving zero waste to landfill by 2027, aligning the aviation industry with sustainable production models. The results illustrate how corporate environmental responsibility can merge with social impact, producing a ripple effect that benefits local economies and strengthens global awareness of sustainable tourism.

Women as Agents of Change in Sustainability

Through their leadership and creativity, Amazonian craftswomen are not only transforming materials but also reshaping perspectives on sustainability and gender equality. Their work demonstrates how community-based projects can serve as catalysts for empowerment.

The involvement of UNESCO Peru reinforces the view that women are essential custodians of cultural continuity. Their artistry sustains family economies while preserving ecological balance and cultural values. This approach aligns with Peru’s growing efforts to promote sustainable tourism, where travelers can engage directly with local communities and learn about eco-friendly practices rooted in indigenous traditions.

Moreover, the integration of these women’s groups into broader sustainability programs symbolizes a more inclusive and equitable model of development. By promoting social cohesion, cultural pride, and environmental consciousness, the Segundo Vuelo initiative embodies the principles of responsible tourism that are increasingly valued by international visitors to South America.

A Model for Responsible and Inclusive Development

The collaboration between LATAM Airlines Peru and UNESCO Peru offers an inspiring example of how partnerships between corporations and international organizations can yield measurable social and environmental results. The initiative stands out as a model for circular economy practices within the travel and tourism industry, emphasizing that progress must be both inclusive and sustainable.

Through continuous training, material donations, and strategic outreach, the Segundo Vuelo program bridges the gap between sustainability goals and real-world community benefits. It also highlights how airlines can play a proactive role in environmental stewardship, going beyond transportation to foster regional development and cultural preservation.

The program’s ongoing expansion to multiple Latin American countries ensures that its positive impact continues to grow. By promoting awareness of sustainable travel in Peru and beyond, it encourages visitors to explore the country not only for its natural beauty but also for its living cultural heritage.

The inclusion of the Fibra y Arte del Marañón association in LATAM Airlines Peru’s Segundo Vuelo circular economy program, supported by UNESCO Peru, marks a significant advancement in the region’s journey toward sustainability, empowerment, and cultural revitalization. Through this initiative, indigenous women artisans from the Amazon have gained a platform to share their craft with the world while contributing to the environmental goals of a leading airline.

This collaboration stands as a testament to the power of unity between communities, organizations, and industries—demonstrating that economic progress can coexist harmoniously with environmental care and cultural preservation. As Peru continues to position itself as a leading destination for sustainable tourism, programs like Segundo Vuelo exemplify how travel can inspire positive change, giving materials—and lives—a meaningful second flight.