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>

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

During his visit to Chile in January 2018, Pope Francis left a mark not only on the spiritual and political landscape, but also on Chilean aviation, as he flew across the country on board a specially prepared LATAM Airlines Airbus A321 that hosted both official duties and a unique airborne ceremony.While his arrival in Chile was via an Alitalia-operated long-haul flight, the domestic segments of the tour were entrusted to LATAM’s A321, registered CC-BEK. The aircraft featured special decals, including the papal crest and the official visit hashtag #ElVueloDeFrancisco, marking it as the Pope’s temporary airborne base.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/ei_dbl_boeing_777_243er_alitalia.jpg" alt="EI-DBL - Boeing 777-243ER - Alitalia"><figcaption>EI-DBL - Boeing 777-243ER - Alitalia</figcaption></figure><section class="noteSuggested" data-id="38208" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>On January 17, Francis flew from Santiago to Temuco on flight LAN1247, departing at 08:04 and landing just over an hour later at La Araucanía Airport. In a move highlighting the security protocols for such a visit, the flight was escorted by the Chilean Air Force (FACh) with a Boeing 737 and a KC-135E.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/cc_bek_airbus_a321_211sl_latam_airlines_1.jpg" alt="CC-BEK - Airbus A321-211SL - LATAM Airlines"><figcaption>CC-BEK - Airbus A321-211SL - LATAM Airlines</figcaption></figure>That same afternoon, the Pope returned to Santiago on the same aircraft. On January 18, the tour continued to Iquique, again using the A321 CC-BEK. It was on this flight that a historic event took place: Pope Francis performed a mid-air wedding for two LATAM flight attendants, Paula Podest and Carlos Ciuffardi, who had previously held a civil ceremony but had postponed their religious marriage due to the 2010 earthquake. The wedding certificate was drafted and signed on board, with LATAM CEO Ignacio Cueto acting as witness.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/paula_podest_carlos_ciuffardi_ignacio_cueto_papa_francisco.webp" alt="Paula Podest - Carlos Ciuffardi - Ignacio Cueto - Papa Francisco"><figcaption>Paula Podest - Carlos Ciuffardi - Ignacio Cueto - Papa Francisco. &nbsp;Photo: Reuters</figcaption></figure>After the Iquique events, the Pope continued his trip to Lima, Peru, again aboard the same LATAM aircraft.Beyond the speeches and meetings, Francis’ visit left behind a rare aviation footprint, showcasing LATAM’s capacity to operate VIP and protocol-intensive flights, and the Chilean Air Force’s involvement in high-profile missions. The A321 remained in regular commercial service after the visit, but its role as the official aircraft of the first papal visit to Chile in over 30 years has given it a special place in the country's aviation history.And another noteworthy point. LATAM became the airline that has transported a Pope on more than two occasions outside of Alitalia or ITA operations. In 1987, the then Chilean National Airline (LAN Chile) carried Pope John Paul II throughout the country using a Boeing 737-200Adv., and for his departure from Antofagasta to Aeroparque Argentina aboard a Boeing 767-200ER.<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/TEZGHb_Jkfk"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TEZGHb_Jkfk" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure>&nbsp;

Francis’ flight: how the Pope’s 2018 visit to Chile also marked aviation history

In an update published by aviation platform Cirium, SKY Airline is set to increase its flights to Brazil by 38% for the upcoming winter season, including the return of two routes.This expansion responds to strong demand from Brazilian tourists seeking Chilean destinations known for ski resorts and thermal spas, including Valle Las Trancas, Olmué-La Campana, Aconcagua Valley, and Lake Llanquihue.In 2024, the number of Brazilian visitors peaked in July, with 142,782 tourists recorded. During that period, LATAM, SKY, and JetSMART operated up to 226 weekly flights between Chile and Brazil.For the peak months of the 2025 winter season—from June 22 to September 13—SKY Airline will increase its frequencies by 38.9% compared to last year, adding 17 more weekly flights and raising its total from 45 to 62.SKY’s schedule between Santiago and BrazilFrom Santiago (SCL):<ul><li>Belo Horizonte (CNF): 3 weekly flights from June 24 to September 13, operated with Airbus A320neo/A321neo.</li><li>Florianópolis (FLN): Increases from 7 to 13 weekly flights starting July 1, operated with A320neo/A321neo. This route will operate year-round.</li><li>Porto Alegre (POA): 4 weekly flights from June 24 to September 14, using A320neo/A321neo.</li><li>Rio de Janeiro (GIG): 14 weekly flights with A320neo/A321neo.</li><li>São Paulo/Guarulhos (GRU): Expands from 14 to 28 weekly flights during July, operated with A320neo. Frequency will be reduced to 7 weekly flights starting in September.</li></ul>According to Cirium, SKY will offer a total of 110,828 seats on its Chile-Brazil routes in July alone.&nbsp;

Winter season: SKY increases its flights between Chile and Brazil

En una actualización de la plataforma Cirium, se ha observado que SKY Airline incrementará en un 38% sus vuelos a Brasil de cara a la temporada de invierno, incluyendo el regreso de dos destinos.Esta expansión responde a la alta demanda de turistas brasileños, quienes buscan destinos en Chile como centros de ski y resorts termales, entre ellos el Valle Las Trancas, Olmué-La Campana, el Valle del Aconcagua y el lago Llanquihue.Durante 2024, el número de visitantes brasileños alcanzó su punto máximo en julio, con 142,782 turistas registrados. En ese periodo, LATAM, SKY y JetSMART operaron hasta 226 vuelos semanales entre Chile y Brasil.Durante los meses pico de la temporada de invierno 2025, que se extenderá del 22 de junio al 13 de septiembre, SKY Airline aumentará un 38,9% sus frecuencias con respecto a la anterior temporada, lo que se traducirá en 17 vuelos adicionales por semana, pasando de 45 a 62.<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Programación de SKY entre Santiago y Brasil</h2><ul><li>Desde Santiago (SCL);<ul><li>Belo Horizonte (CNF), de 3 vuelos semanales del 24 de junio al 13 de septiembre, con Airbus A320neo/A321neo.</li><li>Florianópolis (FLN), de 7 a 13 vuelos semanales, inicia el 1 de julio con Airbus A320neo/A321neo. Se mantiene todo el año.</li><li>Porto Alegre (POA), de 4 vuelos semanales, del 24 de junio al 14 de septiembre, con Airbus A320neo/A321neo.</li><li>Río de Janeiro (GIG), de 14 vuelos semanales con A320neo/A321neo.</li><li>São Paulo/Guarulhos (GRU), de 14 a 28 vuelos semanales con A320neo, del 1 al 31 de julio. Se reduce a 7 vuelos semanales desde septiembre.</li></ul></li></ul>Según la plataforma Cirium, en julio SKY ofrecerá un total de 110,828 asientos en sus vuelos entre Chile y Brasil.

Temporada de invierno: SKY incrementa sus vuelos entre Chile y Brasil

A Boeing 737-200, with a long and varied international and domestic history, was recently spotted at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez Airport in Santiago, adorned with the historic LAN Chile typography and logo from the 1980s. Although it still bears the livery of its most recent operator, Mineral Airways (linked to Aerovías DAP), the return of this iconic branding has sparked immediate interest among aviation enthusiasts.The aircraft is currently parked near the ENAER (Empresa Nacional de Aeronáutica de Chile) hangar, adjacent to LATAM Airlines’ maintenance facilities, in the area that once housed LAN’s corporate headquarters. It now carries the registration CC-ABDI, which does not appear in Chile’s Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) aircraft registry. The last known registration was CC-ABD, as seen in the following record:<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/cc_abd.png" alt="cc-abd"></figure>This Boeing 737-200 was originally delivered to Southwest Air Lines in Japan as JA8475, a registration it retained when the company rebranded as Japan Transocean Air. It later operated in Brazil with VASP as PP-SFS, before moving on to LAN Perú (VP-BBP), LAN Chile, and LAN Express under the Chilean registration CC-CVJ. In its final commercial phase, it flew for Sky Airline and Mineral Airways as CC-ABD.The reappearance of LAN Chile's classic logos comes at a symbolic moment. LAN turned 96 years old on March 5, though no official celebration was held. In recent years, LATAM Airlines has chosen to commemorate its anniversary based on the date of the LAN-TAM merger, placing less emphasis on the legacy of its founding airlines. The passenger fleet has already been completely repainted in LATAM’s modern branding, with the Boeing 787-9 CC-BGI being the last to receive the new livery. The only aircraft still flying in a previous color scheme is the N418LA freighter, which retains its LAN Cargo livery.The reappearance of LAN Chile’s logos on this classic 737-200 raises the question: is this merely a historical restoration, or the early sign of a broader commemoration? With just four years to go until the centennial of the Línea Aeropostal de Chile, predecessor to the Línea Aérea Nacional, the question becomes increasingly relevant: Will LATAM Airlines pay tribute to its origins?Airlines like KLM, Qantas, and Delta Air Lines have honored their 100th anniversaries with special liveries, commemorative events, and institutional recognitions. KLM painted a Boeing 787-10, Qantas still flies with a “100” logo, and Delta applied commemorative designs to two brand-new aircraft. In this context, and with the centennial approaching, the idea of seeing a LATAM aircraft in a retro livery or a nod to the past doesn’t seem far-fetched.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/IMG_0117AV.jpg" alt="VH-ZNJ - Qantas - Boeing 787-9"><figcaption>VH-ZNJ – Qantas – Boeing 787-9</figcaption></figure>The question lingers: will the company speak about Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez, its founder? For now, the 737-200 bearing LAN Chile’s logos remains grounded, but it’s heavy with symbolism.

Classic LAN Chile Livery Reappears on Boeing 737-200 at Santiago Airport

SKY Airline cumple este mes seis años de operaciones en el mercado peruano. Desde su llegada en 2019, la compañía ha transportado más de 15 millones de pasajeros y alcanzado una participación del 19% en el mercado doméstico, según datos del Ministerio de Transportes y Comunicaciones (MTC), 11 puntos más que al inicio, lo que lo consolidó como el segundo operador aéreo de Perú en vuelos nacionales.Actualmente, SKY opera en 13 destinos domésticos desde su base en Lima, hacia los que ha realizado 75.826 vuelos nacionales, movilizando a 11,5 millones de pasajeros en rutas internas del país.Según explicó José Raúl Vargas, gerente general de SKY en Perú, “desde que iniciamos operaciones, Cusco-Lima se ha consolidado como nuestra ruta con mayor tráfico, con 2,9 millones de pasajeros transportados, impulsada por su atractivo turístico”. Además, destacó el lanzamiento de dos nuevas rutas desde Cusco —Arequipa y Puerto Maldonado— con vuelos diarios. “Arequipa es nuestra segunda ruta más transitada, con 1,95 millones de pasajeros desde el 2019. Le sigue Piura, que ha movilizado 1,3 millones de pasajeros en el mismo periodo”, agregó.Expansión internacional y crecimiento en el exteriorEn el ámbito internacional, SKY ha pasado de operar solo la ruta entre Lima y Santiago de Chile a mantener conexiones con seis destinos: tres en Sudamérica —Buenos Aires, São Paulo y Santiago— y tres en el hemisferio norte: Punta Cana, Cancún y Miami.La empresa detalla que su participación en el mercado internacional desde Perú se ha quintuplicado desde 2019, pasando de un 5% a un 25% en 2025. Hasta marzo de este año, se han registrado 3,2 millones de pasajeros transportados en vuelos internacionales, con un total de 40.855 operaciones.Entre las rutas más demandadas, Lima-Santiago encabeza el listado con 1,8 millones de pasajeros en seis años. Le siguen Cancún, con 385.000 viajeros desde su apertura en 2020, y Miami, que ha movilizado 315.000 pasajeros desde su lanzamiento hace tres años, operada con aeronaves Airbus A320 NEO.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/red_de_sky_airline_en_peru.jpg" alt="Red de SKY Airline en Perú"><figcaption>Red de SKY Airline en Perú - Abril 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)</figcaption></figure>Flota y reconocimientosSKY opera una flota compuesta por Airbus A320neo y A321neo, con tecnología de nueva generación que, según destaca la empresa, permite una mayor eficiencia en el consumo de combustible y reducción en la intensidad de emisiones.De acuerdo con SKY, en 2024 fue reconocida como la segunda flota más nueva de Sudamérica por la plataforma especializada CH-Aviation. Ese mismo año, recibió por cuarta vez el reconocimiento como la mejor aerolínea low cost de Sudamérica por parte de SKYTRAX. En 2023, fue distinguida con el premio nacional de satisfacción de clientes en Chile en la categoría de líneas aéreas.Modelo low cost y presencia regionalSKY tiene 22 años de historia y presencia en ocho países de América, operando tanto vuelos domésticos como internacionales a través de sus filiales en Chile y Perú. A lo largo de su trayectoria ha transportado a más de 65 millones de pasajeros.En su balance por el aniversario, la compañía resaltó el respaldo de los viajeros peruanos en su consolidación como actor relevante del sector aéreo en la región. Según señala Vargas, “como parte de nuestro compromiso de fortalecer la conectividad”, la expansión de rutas nacionales e internacionales busca mejorar la accesibilidad aérea dentro y fuera del país.

SKY Airline cumple seis años en Perú con más de 15 millones de pasajeros transportados

Cinco aviones Airbus A320neo de SKY Airline están operando temporalmente para Viva Aerobus como parte de un acuerdo de arriendo firmado entre ambas compañías.&nbsp;Esta colaboración tiene como objetivo mantener la capacidad operativa de la aerolínea mexicana en un contexto de limitaciones técnicas derivadas de inspecciones a los motores Pratt &amp; Whitney PW1100G que afectan a una parte considerable de su flota.Los aviones involucrados son los A320neo con matrículas chilenas CC-DBL, CC-DBN, CC-DBO, CC-DBP y CC-DBF. Están configurados para transportar 186 pasajeros en clase única y cuentan con motores LEAP-1A de CFM. Esta diferencia técnica es relevante, ya que estos propulsores no están sujetos a las mismas inspecciones que los PW1100G, lo que los hace funcionalmente disponibles en un momento de restricciones globales.El acuerdo contempla que estos cinco aviones operen con mantenimiento y seguro incluidos, pero sin tripulación. En este marco, Viva Aerobus mantiene el control total de la operación utilizando sus propios pilotos y personal de cabina. La duración prevista es desde abril hasta noviembre de 2025, cubriendo la temporada alta de viajes en México.Las operaciones se realizan bajo códigos de vuelo de Viva Aerobus, aunque los aviones siguen registrando matrículas chilenas. Esto permite identificarlos en plataformas de seguimiento como Flightradar24, donde aparecen realizando rutas domésticas mexicanas bajo esa condición. No se ha reportado cambio de pintura, por lo que también es posible distinguirlos visualmente.SKY Airline continúa operando en sus mercados principales sin impactos significativos, ya que la cesión temporal se planificó considerando la baja demanda en los meses de otoño e invierno austral. La aerolínea aprovecha este período para rentabilizar parte de su flota, mientras mantiene su estructura operativa en Chile y Perú.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="34927" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>El contexto de este acuerdo está dado por las revisiones obligatorias a los motores Pratt &amp; Whitney, impuestas por el fabricante para detectar posibles fallas estructurales. Estas inspecciones han provocado que decenas de aviones de distintas aerolíneas deban ser retirados temporalmente del servicio. Viva Aerobus, que cuenta con una flota mayoritariamente equipada con esos motores, se vio forzada a buscar alternativas para no afectar su programación.La utilización de aviones arrendados con motores diferentes le permite a Viva Aerobus continuar ofreciendo su red de vuelos sin modificar frecuencias ni cancelar rutas. Esto es especialmente importante en hubs como Guadalajara, Ciudad de México y Monterrey, donde la densidad de operaciones es alta y la afectación de capacidad tendría un impacto directo en la conectividad.Este tipo de acuerdos entre aerolíneas latinoamericanas no es frecuente, pero está creciendo ante la necesidad de adaptarse a contextos operativos complejos. La cooperación entre SKY Airline y Viva Aerobus podría marcar un antecedente para futuras alianzas puntuales entre operadores de la región.La situación refleja cómo las aerolíneas buscan soluciones tácticas para mantener su competitividad y responder a los desafíos técnicos del entorno. En este caso, ambas compañías logran un beneficio mutuo: Viva Aerobus sostiene su operación durante un periodo clave del año, y SKY Airline optimiza el uso de sus activos en meses de menor demanda.&nbsp;

Viva Aerobus incorpora aviones de SKY Airline ante problemas con motores Pratt & Whitney

SKY Airline inauguró hoy (2 de abril) la ruta directa entre Buenos Aires y Salvador, con dos frecuencias semanales, consolidando su expansión en el mercado regional.Esta nueva conexión aérea internacional permitirá que más de 2.400 pasajeros al mes viajen entre ambas ciudades en menos de cinco horas, fortaleciendo la presencia de la aerolínea low-cost en Argentina. El servicio opera bajo derechos de tráfico de quinta libertad, lo que permite a la compañía ofrecer vuelos entre dos países diferentes partiendo de un tercero.El vuelo inaugural H2 1680 fue operado por un Airbus A320neo, matrícula CC-AZC, que despegó desde el Aeropuerto Internacional de Ezeiza a las 08:00 y aterrizó en Salvador a las 12:21 hora local. El vuelo de regreso partió a las 13:20 desde la ciudad brasileña, aterrizando en Buenos Aires a las 18:00, tras un trayecto de 4 horas y 18 minutos.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="37143" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>SKY operará esta ruta entre Buenos Aires y Salvador los miércoles y domingos, como extensión de un servicio que tiene origen en Santiago de Chile.En esta ruta, la aerolínea low-cost chilena competirá con Aerolíneas Argentinas, que tiene programados dos vuelos semanales entre Buenos Aires/Aeroparque y Salvador durante abril, y con GOL Linhas Aéreas, que mantiene la misma frecuencia, dividida entre Aeroparque y Ezeiza. Durante el pico de la temporada de verano, ambas compañías suelen alcanzar entre 7 y 10 vuelos semanales.En Argentina, SKY Airline también opera cinco vuelos semanales desde Lima hacia Buenos Aires/Aeroparque y dos hacia Buenos Aires/Ezeiza; seis vuelos semanales desde Santiago hacia Ezeiza y 18 vuelos hacia Aeroparque; además de 10 frecuencias semanales entre Santiago y Mendoza. Durante la temporada de verano, la aerolínea también voló a Bariloche —ruta que retomará en invierno— y a El Calafate, fortaleciendo su red de destinos turísticos en la Patagonia argentina.

SKY Airline inauguró sus vuelos entre Buenos Aires y Salvador

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has expressed concern over a new ground assistance scheme for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) set to take effect at Santiago International Airport (SCL) starting in July.According to the organization, the airport concessionaire Nuevo Pudahuel will no longer be responsible for transporting passengers between the boarding gate and the aircraft. This duty will instead fall to the airlines, a move that IATA warns poses operational risks and could compromise both the safety and dignity of users relying on the service.IATA argues that fragmenting the process among multiple parties increases complexity, making coordination between the passenger, airline, and service provider more difficult. This, the association warns, could lead to inefficiencies and additional barriers to air travel for people with disabilities or limited mobility.“The passenger experience is not being prioritized—regardless of disability or mobility challenges, every traveler deserves equal treatment,” said Helen Kouyoumdjian, IATA’s Country Manager in Chile. “The service should be provided by a single operator from airport entry to aircraft door, as it has been for the past ten years,” she added.Kouyoumdjian also confirmed that IATA has formally requested the intervention of the Ministry of Public Works, specifically through the Fiscal Inspectorate, the entity responsible for overseeing the airport’s concession.The global aviation body emphasized the importance of upholding service standards aligned with international best practices, reiterating its willingness to collaborate with both authorities and the concessionaire to ensure a smooth transition that protects passengers' rights.IATA also urged full enforcement of ICAO’s Annex 9 – Facilitation, which recognizes the essential need for accessible services for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility.The planned model shift has sparked debate within the aviation sector, with stakeholders calling on authorities to explore alternatives that uphold the level of assistance required by global standards.Nuevo Pudahuel stated last week that the redesign has been in development since early 2024, incorporating input from specialized organizations such as Senadis, Senama, Fundación Teletón, and air sector representatives including IATA and Achila.According to the company, the new model will be implemented through a public tender, set to be awarded in the coming months after the current provider’s contract ends. The plan includes the deployment of a new fleet of vehicles and wheelchairs, as well as upgrades to waiting areas and designated meeting points.

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Winter season: SKY increases its flights between Chile and Brazil

Temporada de invierno: SKY incrementa sus vuelos entre Chile y Brasil

Classic LAN Chile Livery Reappears on Boeing 737-200 at Santiago Airport

SKY Airline cumple seis años en Perú con más de 15 millones de pasajeros transportados

Viva Aerobus incorpora aviones de SKY Airline ante problemas con motores Pratt & Whitney

SKY Airline inauguró sus vuelos entre Buenos Aires y Salvador

IATA raises concerns over new ground assistance model for passengers with reduced mobility at Santiago Airport

Más Leídas de Chile

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