LATAM re-launches route to Melbourne 

LATAM has re-launched a direct flight between Melbourne and Chile’s capital, Santiago, with the appearance of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner putting an end to the break on the route since the beginning of the pandemic. 

The flights will better connect Victoria to Santiago, a significant centre point in Latin America, as well as other key business sectors in the locale including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. 

Minister for Tourism Industry, Sports and Major Occasions Steve Dimopoulos invited the arrival of LATAM Carriers, as Latin America’s biggest aircraft restarts its non-stop trips between the Chilean capital and Melbourne. 

According to Lorie Argus, chief executive officer of Melbourne Airport, LATAM’s return signifies two significant milestones for Victoria. 

“The resumption of flights to Santiago restores our direct connection to South America and brings the number of international carriers flying into Melbourne back to pre-pandemic levels,” said Argus. 

According to the government, agri-food, energy, mining, and mineral-related businesses in Victoria can take advantage of expanding opportunities in the region. 

“Prior to COVID-19, we had 36 airlines operating international flights into Melbourne Airport, and returning to that number has taken hard work from our team and the Victorian Government. 

LATAM’s return takes our overall international capacity back to 97 per cent of pre-pandemic levels and by the end of the year we expect to be back at 100 per cent,” Argus added. 

A statement from the Victorian government said the flights would have a cargo limit of in excess of 1560 tons each year on the Boeing 787-900 aeroplanes on the course. 

Chris Ellis, LATAM Airlines country manager – Oceania, says the carrier is eager to have taken up home again at Melbourne Airport. 

“Thanks to the support of Melbourne Airport and the Victorian Government, we can now meet the strong demand for travel to South America. 

LATAM is the leading airline in South America, serving more than 144 destinations and is a global leader in sustainability,” Ellis said.