A Guide to Business Aviation Operations In Chile

Chile’s aviation sector has seen a strong recovery and growth over the past few years. After a significant dip due to the pandemic, both passenger traffic and flight operations have been steadily increasing. The international traffic has also shown a notable rise, indicating a robust rebound. Overall, the aviation industry in Chile is on a positive trajectory, with continuous improvements year over year.

Chile’s Aviation Operation Profiles

In 2022, Chile’s air passenger traffic rebounded remarkably, reaching approximately 15.2 million passengers, reflecting a significant increase of 61.7% compared to the previous year. This growth trajectory continued into 2023, with passenger numbers rising to around 18.4 million, marking a further 21.1% increase from 2022. Projections for 2024 suggest that this upward trend will persist, with expectations of around 20.5 million passengers, indicating an 11.4% growth from the previous year.

The international passenger traffic in Chile also saw impressive gains during this period. In 2022, approximately 5.8 million international passengers traveled to and from Chile, representing a substantial increase of 72.4% from 2021. The upward momentum continued into 2023, with international traffic growing to 7.1 million passengers, a 22.4% increase from the previous year. Looking ahead to 2024, international passenger numbers are projected to reach 8.2 million, reflecting a solid 15.5% growth compared to 2023.

Flight operations in Chile mirrored the robust growth seen in passenger traffic. In 2022, the total number of flight operations was around 120,000, which marked a 45.8% increase from 2021. This upward trend continued in 2023, with approximately 135,000 flight operations recorded, representing a 12.5% rise from the previous year. Projections for 2024 indicate that flight operations will reach around 150,000, signaling an 11.1% growth from 2023 and underscoring the ongoing recovery and expansion of the aviation sector in Chile.

In conjunction with the growth in passenger and flight operations, the following major airports in Chile play a crucial role in facilitating this increase:

• Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (Santiago) (IATA: SCL, ICAO: SCEL)
• Andrés Sabella Gálvez International Airport (Antofagasta) (IATA: ANF, ICAO: SCFA)
• Diego Aracena International Airport (Iquique) (IATA: IQQ, ICAO: SCDA)
• El Tepual International Airport (Puerto Montt) (IATA: PMC, ICAO: SCTE)
• Mataveri International Airport (Easter Island) (IATA: IPC, ICAO: SCIP)

Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (IATA: SCL, ICAO: SCEL) Flight Operations

SCL features 67 gates distributed across two terminals. It has a range of business facilities, including VIP lounges, conference rooms, and business centers equipped with high-speed internet and office services. In terms of passenger traffic, the airport handled 20,343,476 passengers in 2022, marking an impressive 86.76% increase from the previous year. This growth continued in 2023, with passenger numbers rising to 22,567,890, reflecting a 10.9% increase. Cargo operations also showed positive trends, with throughput reaching 396,588 metric tons in 2022, a 2.1% rise from 2021, and further increasing to 412,000 metric tons in 2023, demonstrating a 3.9% growth. The airport boasts two parallel runways (17R/35L and 17L/35R), each measuring 3,800 meters in length and equipped with CAT II and IIIb ILS technology, enhancing landing precision under low visibility conditions.

Andrés Sabella Gálvez International Airport (IATA: ANF, ICAO: SCFA) Flight Operations

ANF has 8 gates and has essential business facilities, including VIP lounges, meeting rooms, and services such as internet access and office equipment. The airport served 1,998,660 passengers in 2022, a significant increase of 33.11% compared to the previous year. This upward trend continued in 2023, with passenger traffic growing to 2,210,000, reflecting a 10.6% rise. In terms of cargo, the airport reported a volume of 45,000 metric tons in 2022, which was a 5.2% increase from 2021. In 2023, cargo throughput rose to 48,500 metric tons, showing a growth of 7.8%. The airport features a single runway (01/19), which is 2,600 meters long, constructed with an asphalt surface and equipped with modern lighting and navigation aids to ensure safe operations in varying weather conditions.

Slot Coordination for Chile International Airports

Slot coordination in Chile primarily applies to Santiago (SCEL) and Easter Island (SCIP) airports, both operating under Level 3 coordination. This designation necessitates that all arrivals and departures have assigned slots to manage congestion and optimize airport capacity.

The slot request process mandates that flight operators submit their requests through ground handlers or directly to the airport slot coordinator. Requests should include the aircraft’s tail number, entry time over the relevant Flight Information Region (FIR), and estimated times of departure (ETD) or arrival (ETA). Slots are typically valid within a window of ±10 minutes from the approved time. Operators are required to submit slot requests 24 to 48 hours prior to their intended operation. During peak periods or special events, temporary slot restrictions may necessitate earlier submissions. Once a slot is confirmed, operators receive specific times for engine start-up and wheels-up, especially for departures over congested airspace like the Mendoza FIR.

For both scheduled and non-scheduled operations, the following essential documents are required from flight operators:

• Air Operating Certificate (AOC): Required for commercial operators.
• Certificate of Airworthiness (COA): Validates the aircraft’s airworthiness.
• Insurance Certificate: Proof of liability insurance coverage.
• Noise Certificate (CON): Compliance with noise regulations.
• Registration Certificate (COR): Proof of aircraft registration.
• Flight Schedule: Detailed itinerary including entry and exit points with ATC routes.
• Pilot in Command (PIC) Information: Name and contact details of the PIC.
• Worldwide Liability Insurance Policy: Must be submitted with permit requests.

Additionally, flight plan filing, typically handled by ground handlers, must include the permit confirmation number for arrivals. Aircraft must be equipped with a Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) II and hold Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) certifications. Noise restrictions at SCEL should also be verified through NOTAMs.

These procedures facilitate efficient and compliant operations within Chile’s airspace, benefiting both passenger and cargo flights. For expert assistance with seamless flight operations in Chile, feel free to contact Just Aviation team.

Overflight and Landing Permits In Chile

In Chile, flight operations require obtaining overflight and landing permits, which are regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC). Below are the key requirements and procedures based on DGAC guidelines.

Overflight Permits:

• Application Submission: Requests must be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure.
• Flight Schedule: A detailed itinerary outlining entry and exit points, including ATC routes.
• Aircraft Documents
  • Air Operator Certificate (AOC)
  • Certificate of Airworthiness (COA)
  • Certificate of Insurance (COI)
  • Noise Certificate (CON)
  • Certificate of Registration (COR)
• Additional Information:
  • For passenger flights: details of the passengers.
  • For cargo flights: consignee and consignor information.

Procedure

• Submission: Applications are typically submitted through the DGAC’s online portal or via email.
• Approval: After review, the DGAC provides an overflight permit number, which must be included in the flight plan (Item 18).

Landing Permits

• Application Submission: Requests must be submitted at least 24 hours before the intended landing.
• Flight Schedule: A detailed itinerary with entry and exit points, including ATC routes.
• Aircraft Documents: Same requirements as for overflight permits.
• Additional Information
  • The purpose of the flight (technical stop, passenger, or cargo).
  • Ground handling arrangements.

Procedure

• Submission: Applications are submitted through the DGAC’s online portal or via email.
• Approval: The DGAC reviews the application and issues a landing permit number, which must be included in the flight plan.

Important Chile Aviation Documentation & Insights

Chile’s aviation regulations are primarily overseen by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC), which implements specific rules and standards governing flight operations within the country. Here are some key regulations that are distinctive to Chile:

1. DAN (Normas Aeronáuticas de Chile): These regulations align with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards but include local adaptations. Notable DANs are:

• DAN 91: General Operating and Flight Rules, detailing flight operation requirements, including minimum equipment lists and operational procedures.
• DAN 129: Certification and Operations of Foreign Air Carriers, which outlines the criteria for foreign operators conducting flights to and from Chile, including the acceptance of foreign Air Operator Certificates (AOCs).

2. DAR (Reglas Aeronáuticas de Chile): These rules provide detailed operational guidelines, with significant DARs including:

• DAR 145: Maintenance Organizations, which specify standards for aircraft maintenance facilities.
• DAR 121: Certification and Operations of Large Aircraft, detailing specific requirements for large commercial aircraft operations.

3. DAP (Procedimientos Aeronáuticos de Chile): These procedures encompass:

• DAP 1: Procedures for Air Traffic Services, which outline protocols for air traffic control and management.
• DAP 2: Procedures for Aerodrome Operations, covering airport operational standards and safety measures.

4. Special Regulations for Non-Scheduled Operations

• Permit Requirements: Non-scheduled operators must secure a special permit from the DGAC, which includes submitting detailed flight plans and proof of insurance.
• Noise Abatement Procedures: Specific noise abatement protocols must be adhered to, particularly for nighttime operations or in noise-sensitive areas.

5. Cabotage Restrictions: Foreign carriers are generally prohibited from operating domestic flights within Chile unless specifically authorized by the DGAC.

6. Environmental Regulations: Chile enforces stringent environmental regulations in aviation, including emissions reporting requirements and adherence to noise pollution standards.

These regulations are designed to ensure that flight operations within Chile are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with both international and local standards.

Chile International Airports Ground Handling Operations

Just Aviation provides comprehensive ground handling services at Chile’s busiest airports, ensuring seamless and efficient operations for business aviation. At Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (Santiago) (SCL), Andrés Sabella Gálvez International Airport (Antofagasta) (ANF), Diego Aracena International Airport (Iquique) (IQQ), El Tepual International Airport (Puerto Montt) (PMC), and Mataveri International Airport (Easter Island) (IPC), our handling solutions are meticulously tailored to meet the unique requirements of private and corporate aircraft. We offer a full spectrum of ramp services, including aircraft marshaling, pushback, refueling, and de-icing, alongside passenger and crew assistance such as VIP lounge access. Every aspect of our ground operations is executed with precision and compliance.

We prioritize efficient turnaround times through highly coordinated aircraft handling, utilizing advanced Ground Service Equipment (GSE) to minimize delays. Our team adheres to stringent international standards, incorporating the latest updates from IATA’s Airport Handling Manual (AHM) and complying with local aviation regulations to ensure a safe, efficient, and reliable service. By partnering with Just Aviation, operators can concentrate on their core business while we manage the operational complexities of ground handling at these strategic locations.