Starting September 2023, LATAM Airlines will resume flying directly between Melbourne and Santiago, Chile.
From Santiago, passengers can connect to more than 144 destinations in LATAM’s network. LATAM will recommence the Melbourne – Santiago route with three weekly services operated on a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, enabling passengers to fly to Santiago in under 13 hours.
LATAM Airlines Australian operations were paused in April 2020 due to the pandemic, with flights from Sydney via Auckland to Santiago restarting in March 2022, with three weekly services and building to daily services by December 2022.
“We are extremely excited to work with the Victorian Government and Melbourne Airport to resume LATAM’s direct flights to South America,” Chris Ellis, country manager – Oceania, LATAM Airlines said.
“There has been a huge demand for travel to the region and we are thrilled to be able to meet the needs of travellers, starting with over 900 seats a week on our Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
“For the past year, we have been building our capacity in Sydney and it’s a pleasure to be taking up residence again in Melbourne Airport as we expand our footprint in Australia.”
Victorian Minister for Industry and Innovation Ben Carroll added: “We’re backing the return of LATAM Airlines – it will help power our economy by boosting exports, creating jobs and welcoming more tourists and students from Latin America.”
Lorie Argus, Melbourne Airport CEO said: “The resumption of LATAM’s Melbourne – Santiago service once again provides Victoria with a direct connection into South America and we’re very excited to have them back.”
“We know this growing market is important for local exporters but also for an increasing number of Victorians wanting to visit friends and family, and LATAM’s extensive network means millions more people now have one-stop access to our great state.”
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Featured Image: LATAM Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner photographed on May 13, 2016 from Wolfe Air Aviation Learjet 25B.
