LATAM Airlines Group First Airline in Region to Certify Employees to Assist Individuals with Autism

For those with autism, family travel just got friendlier. LATAM Airlines Group became the first in the region to begin certifying employees to assist passengers with autism, following an agreement with Autism Double-Checked, a U.S. organization aimed at spreading awareness about the most appropriate way to care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

LATAM will create work environments that are inclusive, respectful and appreciative. LATAM’s certification process in the empathetic assistance of people with autism began in mid-April.

“At LATAM, we dream of a world that does not discriminate, but rather includes; where all people have the same opportunities and are respected and accepted in any environment. Our relationships are based on respect, welcome and empathy for all people, without exception. This vision has led us to begin this process that will allow us to move towards a more inclusive group. We hope to become an even more diverse LATAM from within, supporting the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace in the future,” said Roberto Alvo, CEO, LATAM Airlines Group.

The process includes three steps:

• Autism Aware, providing required sensitivity tools
• Autism Ready, offering job-specific information and training
• Autism Double-Checked, corresponding with the publication of the information

“We are very pleased and impressed with LATAM’s understanding of travel for people with special needs, and the role that they are playing in creating a better onboard environment for autistic passengers. Families with autistic people are eager to travel, and LATAM is opening up new opportunities to this community. With this, LATAM is also demonstrating how much they value their employees by empowering them with professional training. Their leadership in the airline industry is admirable,” said Alan Day, co-founder, Autism Double-Checked.