British Airways launches Chile service
British Airways has announced it will launch a new route between London Heathrow and Santiago, Chile, becoming the only direct link between the two capital cities.
From January 3, 2017, Santiago will become the airline’s lengthiest long-haul route, taking 14 hours 40 minutes, nearly an hour more than the current longest flight of 13 hours 50 minutes to Buenos Aires. The four-times weekly flight will be served by the airline’s newest aircraft, a four-cabin Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Santiago is the latest Latin American destination to join British Airways’ route network, following recently launched services to San Jose in Costa Rica and Lima in Peru. BA also operates flight to Rio and Sao Paulo in Brazil and Buenos Aires in Argentina.
Alex Cruz, Chairman and CEO of British Airways said: “In recent years we have been increasing our services to South and Central America reflecting the area’s continued growth in both business and tourism. This year we’ve already launched flights to Costa Rica and Peru, and the addition of Santiago will secure another important link between the UK and the region. “The Chilean economy has been steadily growing, with increasing trade links to Europe so this new direct route will respond to the need for travel between the two Capital cities to do business face-to-face.” “Equally, Chile is of enormous appeal to leisure travellers, especially those looking for adventure, exploration and experiences, thanks to its outstanding and diverse natural beauty and attractions and its great food and wine.” There’s something for everyone in Chile as a destination.