Summary
- LATAM Airlines is launching a new direct route from Lima to London, providing historic connectivity between Peru and the UK.
- The 12-hour flight will operate five times a week using LATAM's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet with a capacity for 300 passengers.
- The new route supports trade relations and tourism, allowing travelers to explore Peru's cultural and archaeological heritage sites.
Marmalade sandwich, anyone? LATAM Airlines is launching a brand-new route from Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in darkest Peru direct to London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
New horizons
Just weeks after StudioCanal’s Paddington In Peru started filming in the United Kingdom, LATAM has unveiled an exciting route perfect for anybear dreaming about exploring Peru’s cultural and archeological heritage sites.
The 12-hour-long flight is set to launch on December 2, operating five times a week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Outbound service, LA2489, is scheduled to depart London at 22:30 GMT, touching down in Lima at 06:35 PET. The return flight, LA2488, will take off from Lima at 21:00 PET, returning to London at 14:00 GMT.
LATAM is set to utilize its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet to run the long-haul jaunt between Europe and South America. The new aircraft offers a capacity for 300 passengers divided between two classes; 30 in premium business and 270 in economy class.
In a statement shared by the airline, LATAM’s Regional Commercial Director for the United Kingdom and other territories, Davide Ioppolo, noted the carrier’s enthusiasm for the new route, emphasizing the importance of the added connectivity between London and Lima.
“We are thrilled about the commencement of this operation. With our direct flights from London Heathrow International Airport to Lima. This represents a historic milestone for LATAM Airlines, as we become the only airline to connect directly to Peru from the UK.”
London Heathrow Airport Chief Commercial Officer, Ross Baker, expressed similar optimism for the route, adding that it would likely support trade relations.
“Thanks to streamlined visa access and joint membership of CPTPP, passengers and British exporters alike will benefit from this direct service. Whether it’s traveling to explore historic sites like Machu Picchu, or opening doors for expanding trade, we can’t wait to welcome the first passengers onto this new route.”
The official tourism board of Peru, Promperu, also is excited about what's the come. Its tourism director Claricia Tirado shared the following with Simple Flying:
"The launch of direct flights between London Heathrow and Lima is a strategic step that will boost the growth and diversification of the Peruvian tourism industry. It provides greater accessibility and convenience for travellers in addition to economic, promotional and cultural benefits to both countries. LATAM's direct route will help increase the number of arrivals in Lima following a total of 19,453 British tourists who visited the country between January and July this year."
Growing networks
As of August 2023, LATAM’s pan-South American carriers operate flights to six European countries; Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Alongside its to-be-launched London-Lima route, the airline also offers a direct connection from London to São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport (GRU).
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LATAM’s upcoming service is set to become the first direct flight between the United Kingdom and Peru since British Airways suspended its London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Lima route in October 2019 after starting it in May 2016.
A surge in post-pandemic demand for unique and exciting holiday destinations has seen carriers look to expand their connections between Europe and South America, expanding the current market. Last year, British Airways bumped up flights to Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires ahead of schedule, launching a year-round connection between the two cities.
Azul Linhas Aéreas previously unsuccessfully applied to launch daily services to London Heathrow, with LATAM sweeping up 220 slots into the United Kingdom hub. The application, rejected in June, would have seen the Brazilian carrier compete against LATAM through the winter season.
What are your thoughts on LATAM’s new Lima – London service? What other destinations would you like to see the carrier add? Let us know in the comments.
Source: Air Data News