Victorians will be given more choices on flights to South America, with LATAM Airlines announcing it will increase its service between Melbourne and Santiago, Chile.
Commencing 4 December, the LATAM service will fly the route four times per week, LATAM Airlines Country Manager – Oceania Chris Ellis said.
“Just nine months ago, we resumed our MEL-SAN direct service, reconnecting Australia with the largest network in South America,” he announced on Linkedin.
“Today, I am delighted to announce that starting December 4th, we will add an additional flight, increasing to 4 direct weekly services ex Melbourne operating on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday in addition to our 4 direct services from Sydney – Santiago from 28 October onwards.
“In less than a year, LATAM Airlines has increased its services by 40% in the region and will be operating 14 weekly flights by December!
“South America has never been closer. We look forward to welcoming you on board.”
LATAM will operate its B787 Dreamliner aircraft on the route.
Flight LA804 departs MEL at 1225, arriving in SCL at 1120. The return flight, LA805, leaves SCL at 0055 and lands in MEL at 0530 (+1).
LATAM resumed its nonstop Melbourne-Santiago route in 2 September 2023, connecting Chile and the Victorian capital directly for the first time since the pandemic.
“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,” Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said last year.
In April, the Chilean-based carrier announced it would resume nonstop Sydney-Santiago flights on 28 October 2024.
“This significant milestone for LATAM Airlines brings Latin America closer to Australians, whether they’re flying for business, leisure, or cultural exploration,” Ellis said at the time.
In 2023, the carrier scooped South America’s best airline accolade at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards for the Best Airline in South America and Best Airline Staff in South America.
