Flying between Australia and South America has never been straightforward, but every now and then, a route is established that does not require a stopover in Dallas, Los Angeles, Auckland or Miami. Yesterday, one of those routes returned after a COVID-induced break, with the resumption of LATAM flights between Sydney and Santiago, Chile.
Another route is back at Sydney Airport
On Sunday, LATAM Airlines (LATAM), South America’s leading airline, officially relaunched its nonstop Sydney-to-Santiago service. The service began from Santiago International Airport (SCL) on October 27, when flight LA809 departed at 02:05 and, after a 14:07-hour flight, arrived in Sydney at 06:12 on October 28.
The route was operated with a 2015 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registration CC-BGA and MSN 35317, that departed Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport at 13:06 and arrived in Santiago at 11:18 on the same day (all local times). Later on Sunday, the Dreamliner flew to Lima’s Jorge Chavez International (LIM) and onwards on a return journey to Spain’s Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD).
Initially launched in 2019 and suspended during the pandemic, the relaunched service will operate four times weekly, with departures from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport at 12:35 on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. LATAM said that yesterday’s flight departed at full capacity with 292 happy holidaymakers and business travelers on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, although the airline’s seat map shows a full capacity of 304 or 313 seats.
Photo: LATAM
LATAM Country Manager – Oceania Christopher Ellis said relaunching the route was a “significant milestone” for the airline, fulfilling LATAM’s commitment to improving accessibility for Australians wanting to travel to South America. Ellis added:
“We are pleased to provide Australia with the newest nonstop route between Sydney and Santiago, making it even easier for Australians to experience the rich culture, culinary delights and landscapes that South America has to offer. We’re confident that re-introducing this route will benefit both regions, promoting the growth of tourism and commerce.”
Photo: Kurt Ams
Some of that rich culture was on display at Sydney Airport yesterday. Passengers on the LATAM flight were farewelled by musicians playing traditional tunes and treated to the cultural delicacy, alfajores, described as a small taste of what adventures await them in the Latin continent.
Nonstop comfort of the 787 Dreamliners
From Santiago (SCL), travelers can connect to 144 popular South American destinations, including Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Cuzco, Sao Paulo, Lima and Bogota. LATAM is making it easier to visit destinations such as the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, the spectacular Iguazu Falls or the Amazon Rainforest.
Photo: Vytautas Kielaitis | Shutterstock
The new Sydney—Santiago service complements the existing nonstop flights between Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Santiago, which will increase to four times weekly from December 4, 2024. Passengers from either Sydney or Melbourne will enjoy the long flight from the comfort of LATAM’s 787-9 Dreamliners, which provide optimal comfort, security and efficiency.
The airline has embarked on an extensive refurbishment program.
The 787 was an early adopter of more restful cabins, with large auto-dimming windows, dynamic lighting, and plenty of space for storage and relaxation. LATAM has recently upgraded its business class cabins to maximize comfort and rest by adding ergonomic seats that recline 180 degrees, temperature-controlling down comforters, larger pillows and NASA-developed Spacer Fabric technology, which regulates temperature, ensures airflow and soothes pressure points on the body.
LATAM is Latin America’s leading airline group and has a strong presence in five South American domestic markets: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Internationally, it flies within Latin America and to Oceania, Europe, the US and the Caribbean.
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Publish date : 2024-10-28 19:26:00
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