As part of Australia’s continued recovery from the global pandemic, LATAM has announced its return to Melbourne Airport following a multi-year absence.
The airline is expected to recommence flights from September 1st from Santiago to Melbourne, Australia. The airline will utilise its Boeing 787s for the long 12+ hour flight across the Pacific.
Santiago and Melbourne will be connected three times weekly with the LATAM service.
LATAM says that their service LA805 will depart Santiago early at 1255 before arriving the next day (due to time zones) at 0530. The returning flight, operated as LA804, will leave Melbourne at 1225pm and arrive in Santiago at 1120am.
LATAM has been absent from Melbourne Airport for some time now. Following the global pandemic and Australia’s harsh restrictions, international travel became impossible to complete for airlines, and as a result, they all departed. LATAM’s return is a positive indication of the continued rebuilding of the sector.
The airline’s connection will also be necessary for Melbourne as their only nonstop South American connection. An essential part of the globe can be impacted by geographical distance and public demand.