Nick Ballon’s evocative, softly lit photographs tell the story of the crumbling South American airline, Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano (LAB). The photographer, who has shot for Port, Intelligent Life, Monocle and Ferrari, reflects on the once-glamorous airline, documenting the two remaining aircraft—including the eponymous Ezekiel 36:36—and its motley crew of employees. He captures the absurdity of LAB’s grounded and decaying fleet and the men and women who keep the airline active—though many have not been paid in almost two years—portraying a reality that seems, at times, stranger than fiction. “The story of LAB is in many ways the story of the Bolivian people, caught between past glory and grandeur, and a promised future that never seems to arrive,” says Ballon. “It is the story of an airline waiting for a miracle.” An elegant and emotive tribute to his Bolivian roots, Ballon’s project, which also drew on the talents of writer Amaru Villanueva Rance, is imbued with a distinct sense of hope. The upcoming book and exhibition are accompanied by an interactive site which will, he says, encourage “LAB employees past and present to submit content” and tell their own story. “On the second trip, there was fresh news of a $30m investment from Russia, so there was excitement about the possibility of flying by Christmas. I couldn’t help but get caught up in their yearning to fly again.”

Ezekiel 36:36 goes on sale on August 1. The work will be on display at KKOutlet London from then until the end of the month.