LATAM resumed its non-stop Sydney-Santiago flights on Monday, with 292 South America-bound passengers the first to experience the returned route.
Utilising its B787-9 aircraft, LATAM Airlines Group relaunched the direct service after it was suspended during the pandemic.
Flying four times per week with a weekly capacity of 1,200 passengers, the service will operate on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
With a journey time of 12 hours and 45 minutes, outbound flights (LA810) will depart Sydney at 12.35pm and arrive in Santiago at 11.20am the same day (local time).
Return flights (LA809) depart Chile at 1.40am and touch down in Sydney at 6.30am (+1) for a journey time of 14 hours and 50 minutes.
According to the airline, travel to South America from Australia is growing, with a rise of 34 per cent over 2023.
With Chile, Brazil and Argentina all trending upwards, travellers can also connect onwards from Santiago to LATAM’s 144 ports across South America.
“We are pleased to provide Australia with the newest non-stop 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,” LATAM Country Manager – Oceania Christopher Ellis said.
“We’re confident that re-introducing this route will benefit both regions, promoting the growth of tourism and commerce.
“Whether it’s the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, the spectacular Iguazu Falls or the vibrant Amazon Rainforest, we are thrilled to be offering travellers an even easier way to tick off their South American bucket-list experiences.”
LATAM’s Dreamliner aircraft offers all passengers auto-dimming windows, dynamic lighting and expanded storage.
Business class passengers, meanwhile, will experience newly upgraded seats that recline fully, temperature-controlled comforters and NASA-developed fabric to support airflow and comfort.
Onboard dining includes a menu by South American chefs and wine selections by Master Sommelier Hector Vergara.
Ex-Sydney passengers on the first Santiago-bound service enjoyed a festive South American send-off with traditional music and alfajores, offering a small taste of the adventures ahead in Latin America.
LATAM also currently flies three times per week between Melbourne and Santiago, recommencing the route in September 2023. When that route is upgraded to a four-times-weekly service on 4 December, Latin America’s largest carrier will operate eight non-stop, weekly flights between Australia and South America.
