The Aruba Airport Authority N.V. (AAA), the Aruba Tourism Authority, and the Government of Aruba are thrilled to announce that LATAM, Latin America’s leading airline group, has launched its highly anticipated new route connecting Lima, Peru (LIM), to Aruba (AUA). The inaugural event, held on December 2nd, 2023, marks yet another significant milestone for Aruba as Lima, Peru, becomes the island’s third Latin America regional hub, enhancing connectivity for travelers.
Passengers arriving on the inaugural flight received a warm welcome from the Aruba Airport team, accompanied by a small gift. The official inaugural ceremony unfolded in Aruba Airport’s Arrival Hall, attended by government officials, aviation executives, hotel industry partners, and esteemed guests. Distinguished attendees included Aruba’s Prime Minister, Mrs. Evelyn Wever-Croes; Minister of Tourism & Public Health, Mr. Dangui Oduber; Ms. Ronella Croes, CEO ATA; Mr. Joost Meijs, CEO AAA; and Ms. Lucia Davil, Director of Sales of LATAM Airlines Peru. The event concluded with the traditional ribbon and cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the official commencement of operations on this new route.
The addition of Lima, Peru, as a destination in Aruba Airport’s expanding network comes after a decade since the airline’s last operation to the island. This will be Aruba’s third Latin America Hub following Bogota, serviced by Avianca, and Panama, serviced by Copa. The new route serving Lima is expected to contribute an additional monthly seat capacity of approximately 2,080 seats, increasing Aruba’s overall seat capacity to Latin America by approximately 8%.
The partnership with LATAM allows Aruba Airport to provide diverse travel options, given LATAM’s domestic operations in five South American countries and its extensive network covering over 140 destinations. The new route opens opportunities for local travelers to access sought-after destinations in Latin America, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
“With this inaugural LATAM flight, we are very pleased to re-establish the air connection between Aruba and Lima. With this, we can resume the direct exchange with our sister country Peru,” expressed Aruba’s Prime Minister, Mrs. Evelyn Wever-Croes.
"The direct route between Lima, Peru, and Aruba is a testament to the collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, AAA, ATA, and LATAM. The collaboration between us has been fundamental to stimulate the growth of Aruba, turning our island into a center that connects us with the landscape and culture of Latin America. Today, Lima becomes the third regional center in Latin America for Aruba, further improving our connectivity and opening a world of possibilities. This new route opens doors for visits to relatives and friends, especially to the Peruvian community in Aruba. At the same time, looking ahead, we see the potential for business opportunities. The connectivity established today lays the foundation for economic collaboration that can benefit both regions. As we explore these possibilities, we envision a future where trade flows seamlessly between Lima and Aruba," expressed Aruba’s Minister of Tourism & Public Health, Mr. Dangui Oduber.
“We have been actively pursuing a diversification strategy. This moment is a testament to the hard work on the island and by our team in Latin America. This inaugural flight represents a fantastic opportunity to expand our market share of visitors from Latin America and further strengthen our bonds with LATAM Airlines. 2024 is expected to have a strong start for Aruba, especially from the Southern Cone, allowing for potential growth of close to 8% vs. 2023 and allowing us to capture more economically attractive markets, including Chile and Brazil, with high spending patterns, Peru with 25% of repeaters, and Argentina with an average length of stay of 9 nights," expressed Ronella Croes, CEO ATA.
Joost Meijs, CEO of AAA N.V., expressed his enthusiasm about the new route, stating, "The launch of the Lima route marks a significant moment for Aruba, further strengthening our ties within the Latin America footprint. This partnership with LATAM exemplifies Aruba Airport’s commitment to expanding connectivity and providing our travelers with unparalleled access to diverse destinations in the region."
Flight Details
The new Lima-Aruba route will operate three times a week on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays and will be operated with an A320 aircraft with 174 seats. Tickets are available to book via LATAM’s website at www.latamairlines.com or through your preferred travel agent.
About Lima
Lima, the vibrant capital of Peru, is a four-hour flight from Aruba. The city is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, historic architecture, and culinary experience. As the gateway to Peru, Lima offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, inviting travelers to explore its archaeological wonders, bustling markets, and coastal beauty.
About LATAM
LATAM Airlines, a key player in the aviation industry, is renowned for its commitment to providing top-notch services and extensive connectivity across the Americas. With a vast network spanning multiple countries, LATAM is recognized for facilitating seamless travel experiences, ensuring passengers have access to a wide range of destinations within South America and beyond. The carrier connects passengers to various exciting destinations such as Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
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