All around the world, private aviation separates from commercial first class for being flexible, time-efficient, private and entirely tailored to the customer’s needs. In South America, a developing business aviation market, things are no different as there is also demand and overall understanding of the amenities of this segment. There are far less jets than in the Northern Hemisphere, fewer private terminals and a reduced number of runways used exclusively by business aircraft. Nevertheless, the destinations are unique, somewhat pristine and offer diverse qualities depending on the location. Where to start this adventure?
Aerocardal in Santiago de Chile, a private jet airline based at the capital’s international airport, can serve via Gulfstream G150 aircraft various destinations; Easter Island, a 5.5-hour flight in a straight line from Santiago, Buenos Aires (less than two hours), Rio de Janeiro (4.5 hours) and Cuzco (3 hours) just to name a few. Santiago is the ideal stage to jump-start this journey because of its strategic location once you arrive via a commercial or private flight. Just one hour by car to the east of the beach and one hour to the west of the snow, it offers the best of two worlds for those seeking the ocean and winter sports.
With its own FBO and FAA-approved maintenance center, Aerocardal has the capacity to serve private jets from all around the world. In fact, one of the main destinations for overseas jets arriving to the company for refueling and seeking an exotic leisure starting point is Easter Island, located 3,800 kilometers from Santiago. Once arrived at Mataveri International Airport, top-notch hospitality options, unique beaches and the famous Moais, the massive human figures carved from stone and spread across the island, await visitors.
Due to its proximity and wide array of leisure choices; from culture, arts and sports, lays the primary international destination for Aerocardal clients. A 1.40-hour flight, Buenos Aires, the Argentinian capital, is second to none in the region in the entertainment and culinary realm. Boasting all major global top end hotels, the city is well known for offering world famous steak and an up and coming wine selection, even as good as the Chilean. Furthermore, it has two fully equipped terminals to service the business aviation market, in what is arguably the most developed private jet market in size next to Brazil in South America.
Next stop: Perú. Machu Picchu is a must-see destination when visiting South America. The Inca citadel situated almost 2,500 meters above sea level in the middle of the Andes Mountains offers a connection to the 15th century and nature as no other Pre-Hispanic location in the world. The best way to get there via private jet is landing at Cusco International Airport and then taking the Hiram Bingham luxury train. The Unesco World Heritage Site is famous for its terraced fields, stone temples and breath-taking valleys and mountains; definitely a feast for the eyes.
In the north-eastern part of the subcontinent you can find a place that you must’ve heard before: Rio de Janeiro. The huge seaside city is world-famous for its beaches (Ipanema, Copacabana), the Christ the Redeemer statue, the Sugarloaf Mountain and football, of course. There are two major airports that serve the city, the Rio de Janeiro Galeão International airport is located 10 kilometers from the city, approximately a 15-minute drive, and the Santos Dumont Airport, located less than 20 kilometers away from city center. Rio is undeniably one of the most iconic places in the region and the world.
Other places worth visiting on a private jet in South America are Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, San Andres Island in the Caribbean Sea (Colombia), Punta del Este in Uruguay and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, a place packed with unique wildlife.
You can charter a private jet to any destination in South America at www.Aerocardal.com.
