American Airlines programa una expansión de sus servicios hacia el Cono Sur, con un particular enfoque en Chile, para la temporada alta de verano austral 2025/2026. La aerolínea incrementará sus frecuencias entre su centro de operaciones en Miami (MIA) y Santiago de Chile (SCL) a contar del 3 de diciembre de 2025. Adicionalmente, introducirá un cambio de equipo en la ruta que conecta Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) con la capital chilena. Estas modificaciones resultarán en un aumento superior al 15% en la oferta de asientos en comparación con la temporada anterior, totalizando más de 9.000 butacas semanales entre Estados Unidos y Chile.La ruta entre Miami y Santiago experimentará un aumento en sus operaciones, pasando de siete a diez vuelos semanales. El servicio diario se mantendrá con aeronaves Boeing 777-200ER, mientras que las tres frecuencias adicionales serán operadas con equipos Boeing 787-8. El nuevo vuelo, designado AA 759, operará los días miércoles, viernes y domingo, con salida desde Miami a las 09:30 PM y arribo a Santiago a las 07:50 del día siguiente (horas locales). En el sentido inverso, el vuelo AA 219 partirá desde la capital chilena los lunes, jueves y sábado a las 11:55 PM, para aterrizar en Miami a las 06:40 del día siguiente.Por otra parte, la ruta estacional que une Dallas/Fort Worth con Santiago también presentará novedades. A partir del 25 de octubre de 2025, American Airlines reemplazará el Boeing 787-8, utilizado en la temporada previa, por un Boeing 777-200ER. Esta aeronave de fuselaje ancho dispone de una configuración de 273 asientos, distribuidos en 37 para Business Class, 24 en Premium Economy, 66 en Main Cabin Extra y 146 en Economy.Este incremento en la oferta de American Airlines en las rutas hacia Chile refleja una estrategia de la compañía por capturar la demanda durante la temporada de mayor tráfico entre ambos países. La aerolínea con sede en Fort Worth compite en estas rutas principalmente con LATAM Airlines Group, que también ofrece una robusta red de conexiones entre Chile y Estados Unidos, y con Delta Air Lines, que vuela desde Atlanta a Santiago. La mayor disponibilidad de asientos y la introducción de aeronaves de mayor capacidad en una de sus rutas apuntan a consolidar la posición de American en un mercado clave de Sudamérica.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="39216" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>

American Airlines aumenta sus operaciones a Chile para el verano austral de 2025/26

United Airlines will increase capacity on its services between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston and Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago, Chile, for the upcoming Southern Hemisphere summer. Starting October 25, 2025, the airline will replace the current Boeing 767-300ER with a larger Boeing 777-200ER, representing a more than 30% increase in available seats on the route.The service will continue operating daily. Flight UA 847 will depart Houston at 8:45 p.m. and arrive in Santiago at 8:50 a.m. the following day. In the opposite direction, flight UA 846 will leave Santiago at 10:45 p.m., landing in Houston at 5:05 a.m. the next morning. All times are local.The Boeing 777-200ER that United will deploy features 276 seats, distributed across 50 in Polaris Business Class, 24 in Premium Economy, 46 in Economy Plus, and 156 in Economy. This aircraft upgrade highlights the airline’s response to strong demand in the Chilean market, which remains a key destination in South America for United from its major southern U.S. hub.The Santiago adjustment is part of United’s robust summer schedule from Houston to various South American destinations, including:<ul><li>Bogotá (BOG), Colombia: Two daily flights operated with Boeing 737 MAX 8.</li><li>Buenos Aires (EZE), Argentina: Two daily flights with Boeing 777-200ER.</li><li>Georgetown (GEO), Guyana: Four weekly flights with Boeing 737 MAX 8.</li><li>Rio de Janeiro (GIG), Brazil: One daily flight with Boeing 767-300ER.</li><li>São Paulo–Guarulhos (GRU), Brazil: One daily flight operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.</li><li>Lima (LIM), Peru: One daily flight with Boeing 767-300ER.</li><li>Medellín (MDE), Colombia: Two daily flights with Boeing 737 MAX 8.</li><li>Quito (UIO), Ecuador: One daily flight with Boeing 737 MAX 8.</li></ul>The decision to increase capacity to Santiago reflects the ongoing post-pandemic adjustments in air travel demand and the competitive dynamics on North America–South America routes. George Bush Intercontinental Airport continues to solidify its role as a key gateway for travel between the United States and the region.

United Airlines to boost capacity on Houston–Santiago route for upcoming Southern Hemisphere summer season

United Airlines dispondrá un aumento de capacidad en sus servicios entre el Aeropuerto Intercontinental George Bush (IAH) de Houston y el Aeropuerto Internacional Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) de Santiago de Chile para la próxima temporada de verano austral. A partir del 25 de octubre de 2025, la aerolínea reemplazará el equipo Boeing 767-300ER actualmente asignado por un Boeing 777-200ER, lo que representa un incremento superior al 30% en la oferta de asientos en esta ruta.La operación mantendrá su frecuencia diaria. El vuelo UA 847 despegará de Houston a las 20:45 para aterrizar en Santiago a las 08:50 del día siguiente. En sentido contrario, el vuelo UA 846 partirá desde la capital chilena a las 22:45, llegando a la ciudad texana a las 05:05 de la jornada posterior. Todos los horarios son locales.El Boeing 777-200ER que United destinará a esta ruta cuenta con una configuración de 276 asientos. Estos se distribuyen en 50 plazas en la cabina Polaris Business Class, 24 en Premium Economy, 46 en Economy Plus y 156 en Economy. Este cambio de aeronave subraya la respuesta de la aerolínea a la demanda en el mercado chileno, uno de los destinos clave en Sudamérica para la compañía estadounidense desde su principal centro de conexiones en el sur de Estados Unidos.Este ajuste en la ruta a Santiago se enmarca en la robusta oferta de United desde su hub en Houston hacia diversos puntos de Sudamérica durante la temporada estival del hemisferio sur. La programación de la aerolínea para dicho periodo incluye:<ul><li>Bogotá (BOG), Colombia: Dos vuelos diarios operados con Boeing 737 MAX 8.</li><li>Buenos Aires (EZE), Argentina: Dos vuelos diarios con Boeing 777-200ER.</li><li>Georgetown (GEO), Guyana: Cuatro frecuencias semanales en Boeing 737 MAX 8.</li><li>Río de Janeiro (GIG), Brasil: Una frecuencia diaria con Boeing 767-300ER.</li><li>San Pablo-Guarulhos (GRU), Brasil: Una frecuencia diaria operada con Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.</li><li>Lima (LIM), Perú: Una frecuencia diaria en Boeing 767-300ER.</li><li>Medellín (MDE), Colombia: Dos vuelos diarios con Boeing 737 MAX 8.</li><li>Quito (UIO), Ecuador: Una frecuencia diaria en Boeing 737 MAX 8.</li></ul>La decisión de incrementar la capacidad hacia Santiago de Chile refleja la continua adaptación de las aerolíneas a las dinámicas del mercado aéreo post-pandemia y la competencia en las rutas entre Norteamérica y Sudamérica, donde otros operadores también ajustan sus ofertas. El Aeropuerto Intercontinental George Bush se consolida así como un punto neurálgico para los viajes entre Estados Unidos y la región.

United Airlines cambia de avión y aumenta la capacidad de sus vuelos a Chile

LATAM Airlines Group has added two Airbus A330 aircraft operated by Spain’s Wamos Air under a wet lease agreement, as part of a strategy to maintain its long-haul network amid a global shortage of new aircraft. This shortage is largely due to delivery delays from major manufacturers and ongoing cabin reconfigurations on LATAM’s Boeing 787-8s.The move allows the airline to keep key routes operational from Santiago to Lima, Bogotá, Mexico City, and Los Angeles, without canceling flights or reducing connectivity. Notably, the Mexico City route has been exclusively operated by one of Wamos’s A330s throughout the current month.<h3>Tactical move in a complex global context</h3>According to a recent report by Diario Financiero, wet leasing has become increasingly common in the airline industry in response to aircraft availability challenges. Factors such as post-pandemic demand surges, industrial supply chain bottlenecks, and new regulatory hurdles in the U.S. and Europe have significantly impacted both Airbus and Boeing.LATAM notes that the agreement with Wamos is temporary and is one of several steps taken to ensure operational continuity while awaiting delivery of 99 new aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, scheduled to arrive in stages through 2030. This order includes 84 Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft, and 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with a combined list price value exceeding USD 19.9 billion.LATAM’s current fleet includes 352 aircraft: 274 Airbus narrowbodies, 56 Boeing widebodies, and 20 Boeing freighters, plus the two A330s leased from Wamos.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="31967" data-title="You might be interested"></section><h3>Operational visibility and passenger experience</h3>While the A330s operate flights marketed by LATAM, passengers can easily identify them as operated by a third-party. Wamos crews wear their own uniforms and aircraft retain the Wamos livery, although LATAM provides onboard catering, entertainment, and customer service.Some passengers have noted differences in cabin layout, such as tighter seat spacing or older entertainment systems. LATAM states it has undertaken cabin retrofitting to standardize the experience, including touchscreen displays with Disney, Max, and Paramount content, and USB ports at every seat.<h3>A seasoned international partner</h3>Wamos Air, formerly Pullmantur Air, is based in Spain and specializes in ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) leasing with a widebody fleet. The carrier has supported airlines like Air France, Iberia, Avianca, and Air Senegal, and claims the capability to deploy globally within three hours. It operates in over 200 airports across 87 countries.LATAM has previously worked with Wamos during peak demand periods or operational disruptions. According to Sebastián Acuto, Director of Fleet and Projects at LATAM Airlines Group, Wamos is a trusted partner with a strong track record for punctuality and service continuity.<h3>LATAM Airlines: fleet growth and future challenges</h3>Since January 2023, LATAM has received 30 new aircraft, boosting its operational capacity by 12%. All additions are Airbus NEO family or Boeing 787 Dreamliners, in line with the group’s focus on efficiency and sustainability.Still, LATAM faces the same industry-wide issue: manufacturer delays. According to IATA Director General Willie Walsh, the situation has reached a critical stage, and while it’s not expected to worsen, there are no signs of immediate improvement.Given this outlook, wet lease agreements like the one with Wamos have become essential tools for safeguarding LATAM’s route network and growth trajectory, without compromising passenger service or regional connectivity.

From LATAM Airlines to Wamos Air: Key Differences and What’s Next in Their Growing Partnership

A recent currency exchange incident at Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport has triggered backlash from business associations and travelers, after it was revealed that a tourist received only 64,000 Chilean pesos for US$100—a rate of $640 per dollar, significantly below the official market rate of around $940.The case was made public by Juan Pablo Swett, president of the National Multi-Guild of Entrepreneurs, who shared the receipt and transaction details involving a Chinese national. The exchange was carried out by Grupo Global Exchange, a currency exchange service operating within Chile’s main airport. The exchange rate applied reflected a discrepancy of over 30% compared to the observed dollar rate, which closed on Monday, May 12, at $939.26.<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">"Bienvenidos a Chile, dólar a 640 pesos" - ¿Qué imagen país estamos dando a nuestros turistas y personas que negocios al llegar a Chile? Sábado 10 de mayo, 9:00 am, una ciudadana china cambió USD 100 con la empresa Grupo Global Exchange en el aeropuerto; le dieron $64.000… <a href="https://t.co/fwd1Y7u6sl">pic.twitter.com/fwd1Y7u6sl</a>— Juan Pablo Swett (@juanpabloswett) <a href="https://twitter.com/juanpabloswett/status/1922640468896002123?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The transaction also included a 4,000-peso commission, though the company later reversed the operation and refunded the original US$100 following a complaint. Still, the Multigremial warned that such practices can harm the country's image and appear to exploit the lack of information among foreign visitors arriving at the airport.Reported by Emol.com, the incident has reignited debate over the need for greater oversight and regulation of currency exchange services in airports, where offered rates often deviate significantly from official market values.Arturo Merino Benítez Airport, Chile’s primary international gateway, welcomes tens of thousands of passengers weekly during peak seasons. Unfavorable exchange rates and opaque fees can negatively impact tourist experiences and undermine the country’s reputation as a travel destination.There are now calls for the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) or the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications to step in and review the contracts and operating conditions of exchange services at the airport.Swett concluded his statement by emphasizing that although the transaction was reversed, the mere fact that such incidents occur at the country’s main airport “damages Chile’s reputation among first-time visitors.”<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="38982" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>

Currency Exchange Controversy at Santiago Airport Sparks Criticism Over Exploitative Rates

The Government of Chile, through the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) and Metro de Santiago, is advancing studies for the development of a light rail connection between the future Huelén station on Metro Line 7 and Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, located in the Pudahuel district.According to Chilean media, the project could be officially announced during the President’s Annual Address on June 1, and is seen as a more cost-effective and timely alternative to previous proposals for extending the metro network to the airport.Huelén station, currently under construction, will be one terminus of Line 7, which will link the districts of Renca and Vitacura, running through western and northern Santiago. In this context, the proposed light rail aims to provide a fast, intermodal, and direct link between the metro system and the country’s main airport—without requiring underground extensions or reliance on the current bus service connecting the airport to Pajaritos station.The planned route would span approximately 6.5 to 7 kilometers from Huelén to the airport. According to sources close to the project, the estimated investment is around USD 300 million—a figure significantly lower than that of a standard metro extension, which can cost up to USD 100 million per kilometer.Unlike the metro, which is integrated into Santiago’s public transport fare system, the light rail would use a differentiated fare model, targeting primarily airport passengers. The estimated ticket price is around CLP 2,000, in line with rapid airport rail links in major global cities.French company Engie has expressed interest in participating in the project, submitting a proposal to the government based on its experience operating similar systems in Europe and Asia. While it remains undecided whether the project will be tendered or publicly executed, private sector involvement is expected to be key to its technical and financial viability.The light rail initiative is part of a broader urban mobility strategy under the Santiago 2025 Master Transportation Plan, which includes new metro lines, electric bus corridors, cycling infrastructure, and other sustainable transport solutions. Improving access to the airport is a top priority, due to rising passenger demand and the need to ease vehicular congestion.Currently, Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez Airport handles over 25 million passengers annually, and improving its ground connectivity has become a critical issue. While the airport’s road access and terminal expansion have been upgraded, authorities still seek a reliable, high-capacity transport solution with predictable travel times.The Chilean government hopes to launch a detailed technical development phase after the public announcement, including engineering studies, environmental assessments, and a finalized management model. If the project moves forward as planned, the light rail link to the airport could be operational before the end of the decade, marking a major milestone in the evolution of Santiago’s urban transport system.

Chile Plans Light Rail Link Between Metro Line 7 and Santiago Airport

Aprovechando el boom de compras de turistas provenientes de Argentina en Chile impulsado por la posición del peso argentino frente al dólar, Aerovías DAP lanzó un particular vuelo especial entre Mendoza y Santiago.Con el mensaje “¡Vení a Chile! ¡Aprovechá el shopping!”, la aerolínea chilena promociona el servicio que partirá desde el aeropuerto El Plumerillo de Mendoza el viernes 30 de mayo a las 11:30 para llegar a Santiago cincuenta minutos después, y regresará a la ciudad argentina el domingo 1 de junio a las 14:00.La tarifa especial ida y vuelta, que incluye tasa de embarque y una franquicia de equipaje de 20 kilos, es de USD 175,48, un valor muy competitivo al considerar el equipaje incluído, algo clave si precisamente el objetivo es ir a hacer compras en Chile.Y es que si bien el mercado entre Mendoza y Santiago está bastante cubierto (con hasta cuatro vuelos diarios por parte de JetSMART, LATAM y SKY), las tarifas con una franquicia de equipaje similar trepan más allá de los USD 250 ida y vuelta.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/05/promocion_del_vuelo_especial_de_aerovias_dap_entre_mendoza_y_santiago_mayo_2025.jpg" alt="Promoción del vuelo especial de Aerovías DAP entre Mendoza y Santiago - Mayo 2025"><figcaption>Promoción del vuelo especial de Aerovías DAP entre Mendoza y Santiago - Mayo 2025</figcaption></figure>Además, este servicio permite la oportunidad de volar en uno de los aviones más particulares y bellos que todavía recorren los cielos de la región: el BAe 146, conocido cariñosamente como “Jumbolino”, dado que tiene cuatro motores jet.&nbsp;Solo quedan 58 volando alrededor del mundo, y Aerovías DAP tiene 8 en su flota.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2023/04/337119123_756137025865784_7903695900196137501_n.jpg" alt="Aerovias DAP"><figcaption>Foto: Aerovias DAP</figcaption></figure>Para consultar sobre el vuelo o adquirir, el contacto es <a href="mailto:ventas@dap.cl">ventas@dap.cl</a> o bien se puede visitar el sitio web <a href="https://www.aeroviasdap.cl">www.aeroviasdap.cl</a>.

Aerovías DAP programa un vuelo entre Mendoza y Santiago para hacer compras en Chile

LATAM Airlines arranca un fuerte proceso de expansión en Argentina lanzando nuevas rutas internacionales hacia Brasil, Chile, Perú y Estados Unidos. Según detalla la compañía, estas incorporaciones representan un incremento del 27% en su operación respecto al año anterior.Entre las novedades se destaca la recuperación de la conexión directa entre Córdoba y São Paulo, que comenzará el 26 de octubre con una frecuencia diaria. Esta ruta permitirá a los pasajeros acceder a más de 60 destinos dentro de Brasil y una veintena de ciudades internacionales, gracias a la conexión con el hub de Guarulhos. Así, Córdoba quedará enlazada con los tres hubs del grupo en Chile, Perú y Brasil.Rosario también verá restablecida su conexión con São Paulo a partir del 30 de diciembre, con cuatro frecuencias semanales, mientras que Buenos Aires (Ezeiza) volverá a contar con vuelos diarios a Florianópolis entre enero y febrero de 2026, como parte de la oferta estacional de verano.Por otro lado, la ruta entre Río de Janeiro y Ezeiza, que inicialmente estaba programada hasta agosto de 2025, se extenderá hasta marzo de 2026. Tendrá cinco vuelos semanales entre septiembre y octubre, y aumentará a 12 vuelos semanales en temporada alta.Además, LATAM Airlines Perú retomará la operación en Tucumán desde diciembre, con tres vuelos semanales hacia Lima. La compañía señala que esta ruta permitirá a los tucumanos acceder a más de 32 destinos internacionales y 17 nacionales en Perú.Asimismo, regresará la ruta estacional entre Bariloche y Santiago de Chile a partir del 4 de diciembre, con tres frecuencias semanales, reforzando el flujo turístico entre la Patagonia argentina y el país trasandino.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/05/asi_quedaran_las_rutas_de_latam_airlines_en_argentina_en_verde_las_anunciadas_hoy.gif" alt="Así quedarán las rutas de LATAM Airlines en Argentina (en verde, las anunciadas hoy)"><figcaption>Así quedarán las rutas de LATAM Airlines en Argentina (en verde, las anunciadas hoy)</figcaption></figure><h2>La frutilla del postre: Miami</h2>Sin quitar valor a las otras novedades, la más anticipada por el mercado es el regreso de LATAM Airlines a la ruta Buenos Aires - Miami, posible bajo la modalidad de quinta libertad del tráfico aéreo, dado que comienza originalmente en Santiago de Chile. La filial en Argentina operaba esta ruta hasta su cierre en 2020.El vuelo inaugural está previsto para el 1° de diciembre, y operará diariamente con aviones Boeing 787, estimando un potencial de 170.000 pasajeros anuales."Estamos muy contentos de poder lanzar esta importante ruta para nuestros clientes", afirmó Florencia Scardaccione, Gerente Comercial en Argentina "Sabemos que Miami es uno de los destinos favoritos de los argentinos, y este nuevo vuelo directo les permitirá llegar de manera más rápida y eficiente, sin necesidad de hacer escalas en otros países", agregó.El vuelo LA542 partirá diariamente desde Santiago a las 7:15 y llegará a Ezeiza a las 9:15, desde donde partirá hacia Miami a las 10:55 para aterrizar a las 17:50.En sentido inverso, el vuelo LA543 despegará desde Miami a las 22:15 para llegar a Ezeiza a las 8:55 del día siguiente, desde donde partirá a las 10:55, llegando a Santiago a las 13:10.La ruta Santiago - Buenos Aires - Miami será operada con aviones Boeing 787-8 y 787-9, con capacidad para 271 asientos (20 en Business y 251 en Economy) y 300 asientos (30 en Business y 270 en Economy) respectivamente.LATAM detalló que algunos de los vuelos serán operados con los 787 que ya tienen cabinas modernizadas con Suites Recaro R7 en Premium Business, las primeras en su tipo en Sudamérica, así como Economy Plus, con más espacio y mayor reclinación de asientos.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="38487" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>Con la llegada de LATAM a la ruta Buenos Aires - Miami, para el verano habrá hasta ocho vuelos diarios entre ambas ciudades, repartidos entre American Airlines (cuatro), Aerolíneas Argentinas (tres) y LATAM (uno), lo que se traduce en una oferta de casi 15.000 asientos cada día por sentido.

LATAM Airlines vuelve a volar entre Buenos Aires y Miami, regresa a Tucumán y agrega rutas en Rosario y Córdoba

Chilean company Transvip has reaffirmed its role as an official ground transportation operator at Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez Airport (AMB), following the recent entry of ride-hailing platform Cabify. The company emphasized that its contract remains valid through 2026 and that operations are continuing as normal, with no exclusivity granted to any single provider in the sector.“We’re still here, operating with our own infrastructure inside the airport and meeting all legal standards required for this type of service,” Transvip stated, while clarifying that the arrival of new operators does not signify a replacement or loss of official status.Currently, Transvip operates four customer service counters and four self-service kiosks, maintaining an active operation supported by the largest ground fleet at the airport, with more than 350 minibuses and 400 taxis. With over two decades of experience, the company has transported millions of passengers to and from the airport, positioning itself as a key player in the ground connectivity ecosystem.In line with its growth strategy, Transvip announced a US$1 million investment to add 30 new minibuses over the next three months, along with technological upgrades aimed at enhancing service traceability and real-time operational management. “Our commitment is to continue modernizing the passenger experience and strengthening internal processes with digital solutions,” the company added.On the legal front, Transvip confirmed it's pursuing a lawsuit in Santiago’s 25th Civil Court, initiated after it detected alleged irregularities in the process that led to Cabify’s incorporation as a new operator. Filed in 2024, the case has passed the evidence phase and is now awaiting a ruling, which could come in the days ahead.Transvip also noted that the airport has expanded space availability for more operators, but reiterated that no exclusivity has been granted to any new entrants, referencing WeTransport, which began operations in 2023, as an earlier example.<blockquote>“Opening the market to new competitors doesn’t push us out. We’re still here, investing, adapting, and innovating to offer users an efficient, reliable, and high-quality service,” the company concluded.</blockquote>Transvip believes that its experience, infrastructure, and operational scale solidify its leadership at Chile’s main airport and aims to reinforce its position as a national benchmark in ground transportation.Cabify’s entry into the airport market, combined with the impending approval of the 'Uber Law' regulating ride-hailing in Chile, has raised concerns among companies like Transvip. Still, more and more passengers are opting for unregulated transport services due to their speed, perceived reliability, and especially as a way to avoid scams that remain common at the country’s primary airport.

Transvip denies Cabify exclusivity and confirms continued presence at Santiago Airport

The Nuevo Pudahuel concessionaire has announced the opening of 41 new commercial spaces at Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez Airport, as part of its ongoing expansion and modernization of airport infrastructure. The works involve an investment of $11 million and cover more than 4,900 square meters, aimed at diversifying service offerings in both the Domestic Terminal (T1) and the International Terminal (T2).Of the total number of stores, 25 will focus on retail, while 16 will be dedicated to food and beverage, including coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. The lineup includes both national and international brands such as Starbucks, Dunkin’, Bonafide, Fuente Las Cabras, Natura, Doite, Sunglass Hut, Miniso, Victoria’s Secret, Blush&amp;Bar, Krossbar, Bar La Virgen, Natoo, and Bath &amp; Body Works, among others.This expansion is part of a broader commercial renewal process launched in 2024, a year that saw the opening of 30 new stores. With this latest phase, the airport has now accumulated $30 million in commercial development investments.Beyond new stores, the airport’s master plan includes strategic projects such as an intermodal station, a new international terminal, buildings for public services including police (Carabineros), SAG, and Customs, as well as the expansion of the aircraft apron—preparing the airport for sustained passenger traffic growth.Nuevo Pudahuel emphasized that the goal is to improve user experience, reducing wait times through better services and strengthening Santiago’s role as a regional hub. The expansion is also expected to have a positive economic impact by creating jobs and supporting local suppliers in the retail and food sectors.This new commercial phase comes amid a steady recovery in passenger flow following the pandemic, marking another milestone in the transformation of Chile’s main airport in terms of infrastructure, connectivity, and service quality.

Santiago Airport to add 41 new shops and restaurants as part of modernization plan

El grupo<a href="https://www.latamairlines.com/co/es"> LATAM</a> fue distinguido en cuatro categorías de los <a href="https://www.pax-intl.com/pax-awards.html">PAX Readership Awards</a>, galardones otorgados por una entidad reconocida en la industria aérea. La aerolínea obtuvo reconocimientos por sus servicios en viaje, incluyendo alimentación, conectividad, diseño de cabinas y salas VIP.Los premios recibidos fueron:<ul><li>Mejor servicio de comida en Sudamérica (Outstanding Food Service by a Carrier - South America), por su propuesta culinaria que incorpora ingredientes frescos y una oferta diversa. Se destacó el programa “Sabores que transportan”, mediante el cual chefs latinoamericanas diseñan menús para vuelos internacionales de más de siete horas, con una rotación trimestral.</li><li>Mejor entretenimiento y conectividad en vuelo (Best IFE and Connectivity), debido a la <a href="https://www.aviacionline.com/latam-confirma-planes-para-incorporar-wi-fi-en-su-flota-boeing-de-largo-alcance">implementación de WiFi a bordo en más de 240 aeronaves de fuselaje estrecho, así como una amplia selección de contenido que incluye producciones de plataformas como Disney+, Max y Paramount.</a> En Brasil, algunos vuelos ofrecen transmisiones en vivo.</li><li>Mejor interior de cabina (Best Cabin Interior), gracias a la renovación de sus espacios Premium Business, que incorporan puertas correderas, asientos completamente reclinables, pantallas individuales de 18 pulgadas y puertos de carga rápida tipo USB A y C. El diseño está inspirado en elementos sudamericanos.</li><li>Mejor sala VIP de Sudamérica (Best Lounges of South America), reconocimiento obtenido por su espacio en Santiago de Chile, el mayor de la región. Este lounge ofrece zonas diferenciadas para el descanso, el trabajo y el entretenimiento, junto con una propuesta gastronómica centrada en productos locales.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/05/latam.jpg" alt="LATAM"></figure>

LATAM es reconocida por su experiencia a bordo en premios internacionales

Air Canada programa nuevas rutas a Brasil, Chile, Colombia, México y Centroamérica

Starting May 3, 2025, Delta Air Lines will introduce its Delta One Suites and Premium Select cabins on nonstop flights between its Atlanta (ATL) hub and Santiago de Chile (SCL). These services will be operated with Airbus A350-900 aircraft configured for high premium density.This upgrade enhances the product offering on the route, which now features four service classes. The A350-900 assigned to the route has a total capacity of 275 passengers, including 40 fully flat-bed seats with individual doors in Delta One Suites, 40 seats in the Premium Select cabin, 36 Delta Comfort+ seats with extra legroom, and 159 Main Cabin (economy) seats.Luciano Macagno, Delta’s Managing Director for Latin America, the Caribbean, and South Florida, stated that the company “is proud to offer a premium, high-quality product for those traveling between Atlanta and Santiago de Chile.” He added that customers “value comfort and excellent service, and Delta Premium Select is designed to deliver just that.”The introduction of the A350-900 marks a significant enhancement in the onboard experience for passengers flying between the U.S. and Chile, aligning with Delta’s strategy to modernize its fleet and standardize its premium offering on long-haul international routes.At the same time, Delta is advancing the rollout of its Delta Sync Wi-Fi connectivity system across the fleet. Several South American routes, including the Santiago connection, are part of the deployment plan, with full activation expected by the end of spring 2025. SkyMiles loyalty members can access internet service instantly on multiple devices starting at boarding.Delta operates a year-round daily flight between Atlanta and Santiago. Additionally, during the peak summer travel season in the Southern Hemisphere, the airline adds a second daily frequency—typically operated with Airbus A330-300 aircraft—to accommodate increased demand.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/01/n811nw_airbus_a330_323_delta_air_lines.jpg" alt="N811NW - Airbus A330-323 - Delta Air Lines"><figcaption>One of the Airbus A330-300s arriving on a second seasonal frequency at Santiago Airport.</figcaption></figure>Main flight schedule between Atlanta (ATL) and Santiago de Chile (SCL): • Flight DL 147: Departs Atlanta (ATL) at 9:50 p.m., arrives in Santiago (SCL) at 7:00 a.m. the next day. Daily frequency. • Flight DL 146: Departs Santiago (SCL) at 8:40 p.m., arrives in Atlanta (ATL) at 6:20 a.m. the next day. Daily frequency.&nbsp;<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="38293" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>

Delta begins offering Premium Select cabins on its flights to Santiago de Chile

A 7.5 Mwp earthquake recorded at 9:03 a.m. this Friday, May 2, in the Drake Passage south of the Magallanes Region, triggered a Red Alert for a tsunami along the continental coastline of the Magallanes Region and the Chilean Antarctic Territory, according to Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED). As part of emergency measures, the Guardiamarina Zañartu Airfield in Puerto Williams was evacuated, and its operations remain suspended.Chile’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) stated that “the personnel of the Guardiamarina Zañartu Airfield were evacuated and operations are currently suspended,” adding that flights will resume when conditions allow.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/05/epicentro_del_sismo_imagen_centro_sismologico_nacional_de_chile.jpeg" alt="Epicentro del sismo (Imagen: Centro Sismológico Nacional de Chile)"><figcaption>Epicenter of the earthquake (Image: National Seismological Center of Chile)</figcaption></figure>According to the National Seismological Center (CSN), the earthquake’s epicenter was located 218 kilometers south of Puerto Williams, and reached a maximum intensity of IV on the Mercalli scale in the commune of Timaukel, also in the Magallanes Region.The Navy’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) initially declared a State of Alert, later downgraded to a State of Precaution, for both the coastal region and the Chilean Antarctic Territory. However, SENAPRED issued a Red Alert for a tsunami, allowing all available resources to be mobilized in response to the “scale and severity of the event.”The evacuation was carried out with support from technical teams and security forces, and was reinforced through the Emergency Alert System (SAE). SENAPRED urged the public to move to safe zones, stay informed via official channels, and avoid coastal or flooded areas. Municipalities were also instructed to coordinate preventive evacuations in vulnerable sectors.In Argentina, the tremor was felt in Ushuaia, Tolhuin, and Río Grande, although no tsunami alert has been issued for the Fuegian coast. Local authorities remain on alert and are coordinating with international agencies. Aviacionline has contacted Argentina’s National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC) for information on whether air operations in Ushuaia or Río Grande have been affected.Puerto Williams, located on Navarino Island in the Beagle Channel, is a key hub for air and maritime connectivity in the southern region. Its airfield is essential for logistics to Antarctic bases and remote communities. Aerovías DAP operates two weekly flights connecting Puerto Williams with Punta Arenas using DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft.No casualties or significant material damage have been reported so far, but the alert remains in effect as authorities continue to monitor the situation.

Puerto Williams airport evacuated after earthquake due to tsunami warning

A partir del 3 de mayo de 2025 Delta Air Lines introduce sus cabinas Delta One Suites y Premium Select en los vuelos directos entre su centro de operaciones en Atlanta (ATL) y Santiago de Chile (SCL). Estos servicios operan mediante aeronaves Airbus A350-900 en configuración de alta densidad premium.Este cambio eleva la oferta de productos en la ruta, que ahora dispone de cuatro clases de servicio. El Airbus A350-900 asignado a este enlace cuenta con una capacidad total para 275 pasajeros, distribuidos en 40 asientos-cama totalmente reclinables y con puerta individual en Delta One Suites, 40 asientos en la cabina Premium Select, 36 en Delta Comfort+ con espacio adicional para las piernas, y 159 en Main Cabin (turista).Luciano Macagno, Director General de Delta para Latinoamérica, el Caribe y el Sur de Florida, expresó que la compañía "se enorgullece de ofrecer un producto premium y de alta calidad para quienes viajan entre Atlanta y Santiago de Chile". Añadió que los clientes "valoran la comodidad y un excelente servicio, y Delta Premium Select está diseñado para brindar precisamente eso".La introducción del A350-900 representa una mejora en la experiencia a bordo para los pasajeros que viajan entre Estados Unidos y Chile, alineándose con la estrategia de Delta de modernizar su flota y estandarizar su oferta premium en rutas internacionales de largo recorrido.Paralelamente, Delta avanza en la implementación del sistema de conectividad Delta Sync Wi-Fi en su flota. Varias rutas en Sudamérica, incluida esta conexión con Santiago, forman parte del plan de despliegue, con una activación completa prevista para fines de la primavera boreal de 2025. Los miembros del programa de lealtad SkyMiles pueden acceder a internet de forma instantánea en múltiples dispositivos desde el embarque.Delta mantiene un vuelo diario durante todo el año entre Atlanta y Santiago. Adicionalmente, durante la temporada alta de verano austral, la aerolínea añade una segunda frecuencia diaria, operada generalmente con aviones Airbus A330-300, para atender el aumento de la demanda.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/01/n811nw_airbus_a330_323_delta_air_lines.jpg" alt="N811NW - Airbus A330-323 - Delta Air Lines"><figcaption>Uno de los Airbus A330-300 llegando en una segunda frecuencia estacional al Aeropuerto de Santiago</figcaption></figure>Programación del vuelo principal entre Atlanta (ATL) y Santiago de Chile (SCL):<ul><li>Vuelo DL 147: Sale de Atlanta (ATL) a las 21:50, llega a Santiago (SCL) a las 07:00 del día siguiente. Frecuencia diaria.</li><li>Vuelo DL 146: Sale de Santiago (SCL) a las 20:40, llega a Atlanta (ATL) a las 06:20 del día siguiente. Frecuencia diaria.</li></ul><section class="noteSuggested" data-id="38281" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>

Delta empieza a ofrecer cabinas Premium Select en sus vuelos a Santiago de Chile

Tourism and aviation authorities from Brazil and Chile, alongside senior executives from major airlines operating between the two countries, held a high-level meeting at Embratur’s headquarters in Brasília to boost bilateral collaboration. The meeting aimed to foster international tourism growth, enhance air connectivity, and promote regional integration, following discussions between Presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Gabriel Boric.Representing Chile were Verónica Pardo, Undersecretary of Tourism and the country's top tourism official; Holger Paulmann, CEO of Sky Airline; Estuardo Ortiz, CEO of JetSMART; and Juan José Toha, Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at LATAM Airlines Group. The Brazilian delegation included Marcelo Freixo, President of Embratur; Tomé Franca, National Secretary of Civil Aviation at the Ministry of Ports and Airports; and Julia Lopes, Director of Promotion and Planning at the same ministry, among other officials.The tourism relationship between Chile and Brazil is expanding rapidly. Chile is now Brazil’s third-largest source of international tourists and the fastest-growing market. The number of Chilean visitors to Brazil rose from 202,000 in 2022 to 653,000 in 2024, marking a 223% increase. This trend continues in 2025, with 286,000 arrivals in Q1 alone, a 30% year-on-year increase.Currently, there are 15 air routes linking destinations in both countries, including 10 direct flights and 5 with layovers in Uruguay or Argentina. In 2024, Brazil recorded 10,057 flights from Chile, up 260% compared to 2022. Projections for 2025 forecast an additional 25% increase in flight offerings. Brazilian cities receiving these flights include Fortaleza (CE), Recife (PE), Salvador (BA), Brasília (DF), Belo Horizonte (MG), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), São Paulo (SP), Curitiba (PR), Foz do Iguaçu (PR), Florianópolis (SC), and Porto Alegre (RS).One of the key goals of the meeting was to identify strategies to reduce air travel costs and improve accessibility, as well as to explore opportunities for joint international tourism promotion. Participants agreed that deeper regional integration would strengthen both economies and create new business opportunities.Marcelo Freixo emphasized that tourism and South American integration are part of an economic agenda that drives prosperity, jobs, and income for the region. He also highlighted the need to promote Brazil’s under-connected North Region, which currently lacks direct air links to Chile, stating: "More flights mean more trade, more travel, and more tourism. Expanding international flight frequencies and routes is one of Embratur’s main strategies to attract more foreign visitors."According to <a href="https://aeroin.net/brasil-e-chile-reforcam-parceria-para-ampliar-voos-e-turismo-com-foco-na-integracao-regional/">Aeroin</a>, Freixo added: “Connectivity with Latin America is crucial for boosting intraregional tourism, much like what we see in Europe and North America. Chile is already Brazil’s third-largest tourism source market [...] We’ve made significant improvements to the air networks in both Brazil and Chile, and our relationship with the airlines is strategic. The more joint promotion we can do, the better.”Verónica Pardo underscored the importance of developing new routes while investing in established ones. She also proposed a binational collaboration to attract tourists from distant markets, such as Asia. Referencing previous discussions between Presidents Lula and Boric, she stated: “This is a step we must take. We need to move toward a model more like the European Union’s, where people can travel freely within South America without the high costs of flying between countries.”From Brazil’s Ministry of Ports and Airports, Tomé Franca presented ongoing infrastructure investments and joint initiatives with Embratur aimed at attracting new international routes. Expressing optimism for Brazil’s aviation sector, he noted: “There is plenty of room for growth.” During the meeting, Chilean delegates were introduced to Brazil’s International Tourism Acceleration Program (PATI). In response, Pardo noted that while Chile lacks a similar program, there is openness to discussing support mechanisms or flight subsidies.Also present were representatives from Chile’s National Tourism Service (Sernatur), the Association of Ski Centers of Chile, and Andino Travel, alongside directors and managers from various departments at Embratur. Both sides expressed strong interest in deepening connectivity, advancing regional integration, and lowering the cost of flying within South America to levels comparable with domestic travel. Another topic discussed was the improvement of data-sharing mechanisms between the two countries to enhance coordination and tourism promotion

Brazil and Chile Strengthen Air Connectivity and Tourism Ties Through High-Level Bilateral Meeting

Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) has officially launched a new international route connecting Santa Cruz de la Sierra with Santiago, Chile, featuring a technical stop in Iquique. The first flight took off on Friday, April 26, from Viru Viru International Airport, marking the start of a three-times-weekly service operating on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.According to the state-owned airline, flights depart Santa Cruz at 08:30, arriving in Iquique at 10:30 local time. Passengers then continue to Santiago, with arrival scheduled around midday. The return flight leaves the Chilean capital at 14:30, making a stop in Iquique before returning to Bolivia.The route is operated primarily with Boeing 737-700 aircraft, although this may vary depending on availability or operational requirements.The inaugural ceremony was attended by officials from the Autonomous Departmental Government of Santa Cruz, BoA representatives, and personnel from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC), Immigration, and the National Customs Service. During the event, speakers highlighted BoA’s role as a driver of regional integration and binational trade facilitation.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="26442" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>With this new service, BoA strengthens its international network, adding direct connectivity to two strategic locations in northern and central Chile. Iquique, known for its free trade zone (ZOFRI), is a major hub for commercial exchange, while Santiago remains the primary air transport hub in the country.So far, no promotional fares have been announced, and details on the inaugural flight’s load factor have not been disclosed. However, BoA is confident that demand will grow, driven by tourism and business flows between the two countries.This new route represents another step in BoA’s expansion strategy, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity across South America from its Santa Cruz hub.&nbsp;

BoA Launches New Route Linking Santa Cruz de la Sierra to Santiago with Stop in Iquique

En el marco de la alta demanda logística que genera el Día de la Madre, Aerosan estima gestionar más de 20 mil toneladas de flores frescas desde Colombia y Ecuador hacia los principales destinos internacionales entre el 15 de abril y el 9 de mayo, según informó en un comunicado emitido este lunes.De acuerdo con la empresa, el operativo abarca una red coordinada con aerolíneas, operadores logísticos y exportadores, con el objetivo de garantizar la integridad del producto durante todo el proceso de transporte. Colombia aportará aproximadamente 8.705 toneladas, con variedades como rosas, claveles, crisantemos, hortensias y alstroemerias. Entre los destinos principales se encuentran Estados Unidos, Reino Unido, Japón, Canadá, Holanda y Rusia, además de mercados en expansión como Emiratos Árabes Unidos, Corea del Sur y Suiza.Desde Ecuador, se proyecta el manejo de 11.766 toneladas, con una predominancia del 75% en rosas, seguidas por flores de verano, gypsophilas y claveles. Las exportaciones estarán destinadas a países como Estados Unidos, Canadá, Kazajistán, Chile, Italia, España, Polonia y Países Bajos.El Gerente de Operaciones de Aerosan, Leonardo Silva, señaló que “Aerosan reafirma su compromiso con el sector floricultor, habilitando soluciones logísticas eficientes y seguras que garantizan la frescura y calidad de las flores en su tránsito hacia mercados internacionales”.El ejecutivo explicó que durante el proceso se monitorean factores como peso, volumen y temperatura, mientras que el almacenamiento se realiza en bodegas con condiciones controladas, a fin de mantener la frescura del producto hasta el embarque en aeronaves. Además, todo el proceso está diseñado para permitir un seguimiento detallado en cada etapa de la cadena logística.Silva agregó que “para este año nos preparamos con importantes mejoras en equipos, procesos, infraestructura y sistemas que nos permitirán brindar un mejor tiempo de recepción, cuidar mejor la flor y sobre todo una operación más segura para nuestra gente”.La temporada del Día de la Madre representa uno de los picos más importantes del año para el comercio internacional de flores, y América Latina —especialmente Colombia y Ecuador— mantiene un rol protagónico en la provisión de estos productos altamente perecederos hacia múltiples regiones del mundo.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="32097" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>

Chile

American Airlines aumenta sus operaciones a Chile para el verano austral de 2025/26

United Airlines to boost capacity on Houston–Santiago route for upcoming Southern Hemisphere summer season

United Airlines cambia de avión y aumenta la capacidad de sus vuelos a Chile

From LATAM Airlines to Wamos Air: Key Differences and What’s Next in Their Growing Partnership

Currency Exchange Controversy at Santiago Airport Sparks Criticism Over Exploitative Rates

Chile Plans Light Rail Link Between Metro Line 7 and Santiago Airport

Aerovías DAP programa un vuelo entre Mendoza y Santiago para hacer compras en Chile

LATAM Airlines vuelve a volar entre Buenos Aires y Miami, regresa a Tucumán y agrega rutas en Rosario y Córdoba

Transvip denies Cabify exclusivity and confirms continued presence at Santiago Airport

Santiago Airport to add 41 new shops and restaurants as part of modernization plan

LATAM es reconocida por su experiencia a bordo en premios internacionales

Air Canada programa nuevas rutas a Brasil, Chile, Colombia, México y Centroamérica

Delta begins offering Premium Select cabins on its flights to Santiago de Chile

Puerto Williams airport evacuated after earthquake due to tsunami warning

Delta empieza a ofrecer cabinas Premium Select en sus vuelos a Santiago de Chile

Brazil and Chile Strengthen Air Connectivity and Tourism Ties Through High-Level Bilateral Meeting

BoA Launches New Route Linking Santa Cruz de la Sierra to Santiago with Stop in Iquique

La carga aérea se prepara para el Día de la Madre: Aerosan espera gestionar más de 20 mil toneladas de flores

Más Leídas de Chile

United Airlines cambia de avión y aumenta la capacidad de sus vuelos a Chile

United Airlines to boost capacity on Houston–Santiago route for upcoming Southern Hemisphere summer season

From LATAM Airlines to Wamos Air: Key Differences and What’s Next in Their Growing Partnership

American Airlines aumenta sus operaciones a Chile para el verano austral de 2025/26