Canadians have a great new way to easily reach one of the most treasured countries in South America.
Air Transat, recently voted World's Best Leisure Airline for the fifth time at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards, operated its inaugural flight from YYZ to Lima, Peru (LIM) on 20DEC. The first-ever flight from YUL to the Peruvian capital will take place 22DEC.
The non-stop flights are the only ones between Canada and Peru, and will be operated throughout the year, with two departures per week from YYZ and one departure per week from YUL, as Open Jaw previously reported.
"It is a great pleasure for Air Transat to bring this promising route to fruition and finally see our star fly over Peru,” said Michèle Barre, Transat's Chief Revenue Officer. “Lima represents a strongly strategic South American gateway within our portfolio of destinations, allowing us to continue to benefit from the sustained growth of tourism on this continent.
“We are also very proud to offer our passengers the opportunity to broaden their horizons and discover the treasures of Peru.”
Flights are offered alongside a range of all-inclusive packages and a la carte hotels throughout Peru. Excursions will be added to this product offering in the near future as well.
Flights will be operated with next generation Airbus A321LR aircraft offering spacious cabins, in-seat entertainment systems and the lowest fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions (CO2 and NOx) in their class.
"The launch of nonstop service from Lima Airport to these two prominent destinations is a significant milestone in Peruvian commercial aviation, and overall, a truly a special moment for us. This achievement will play a key role in the economic recovery of the Peruvian aviation industry, increase inbound tourism, facilitate connectivity and create new alliances between Peru and Canada," said Emilio Parada, Commercial Strategy and Marketing Manager at Lima Airport Partners.
"We are thrilled that Air Transat is launching annual service to Lima from Toronto Pearson. South America is a largely underserved region from YYZ, with Lima previously being an altogether unserved destination," said Kurush Minocher, Executive Director, Customer Experience and Airline Relations at Greater Toronto Airports Authority. "This service is an excellent addition as it will provide passengers with a nonstop flight, saving more than 30% flying time compared to current itineraries offered."
"ADM Aéroports de Montréal is pleased to welcome Air Transat's new non-stop service to Lima, which will allow travellers to discover a destination rich in history and culture," said Stéphane Lapierre, Vice President, Air Operations and Air Services Development at Aéroports de Montréal. "This year-round service will benefit not only Montreal's large Peruvian community, but also all Quebec travellers who want to explore the region. We would like to thank all the Air Transat teams who worked tirelessly to develop this route, which once again confirms YUL's status as a major hub for international air travel."