With a commitment spanning more than two decades, Delta Air Lines has forged a legacy of exemplary operations in Peru, always guided by high standards of innovation and reliability. Over the past 25 years, the company has maintained operations connecting Lima, better known as «The City of Kings,» and Atlanta through a daily flight.
Since Delta’s arrival in 1998, with interruptions only for a few months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 3.2 million passengers have flown on the ATL-LIM route, showcasing Delta´s dedication to traveler connectivity and convenience.
«On the occasion of our twenty-fifth anniversary of service in Lima, we highlight the magnificent work that has enabled the success of our Atlanta-Lima route throughout these years; the efforts of both, the Delta team and our allies in the Peruvian community,» said Delia Ortega, country sales manager, Delta Air Lines Peru. «We feel a deep sense of gratitude and pride to be part of the local community. We remain steadfast in our commitment to continue being the airline that provides exceptional and reliable service to numerous destinations around the world. Additionally, we will persist in our efforts to attract new travelers from around the globe to discover the country that hosts one of UNESCO’s Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu.»
Much has changed in the industry over the past 25 years, such as the innovations and expansion of service driven by the Japanese migration to this country and its profound influence on Peruvian culture and society. Delta met the increased demand for air travel by establishing a nighttime flight between Lima and Atlanta, to facilitate the connection from Atlanta to Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo. More than 100,000 Japanese and Japanese descendants took advantage of the enhanced service. This action strengthened significant bonds between Delta and the Japanese community in Peru, forging relationships that remain robust to this day.
Delta’s strategy today is centered around the United States and Canada, seeking to connect Peruvians to the airline’s more than 300 domestic destinations in the U.S. This opens up a world of possibilities and experiences for passengers, creating new opportunities for travel and exploration.
Since Delta´s founding in 1925, the Delta team has sought to serve communities in both good and more challenging times. An example of this was during the COVID-19 pandemic: from June to October 2020, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Lima, they secured and managed 28 repatriation charter flights, transporting 7,086 passengers from the United States to Peru and in the south-to-north direction. Most of these charters were operated on an A350-900, and several on an A330-300. Critically needed oxygen cylinders were also transported to support the Peruvian government during the health crisis.
Furthermore, the company firmly believes that social responsibility is a point of convergence between its values and experience, guiding its actions in sustainability, communities, diversity, equity and inclusion. Notable examples of Delta’s efforts in Peru include the collaboration of sales, ticketing and customer service teams with the Ann Sullivan Center in 2019, organizing simulated flights to Atlanta, Orlando, Hawaii, New York, San Francisco for 400 differently abled children including those with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and developmental delays. Delta’s support for the Sagrada Familia parish dining hall, serving vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, Indigenous students, children and migrants, demonstrates a strong commitment to the community.
Most recently, Delta and its partner LATAM Airlines supported Junior Achievement Peru’s NAU Fest with the goal of inspiring future aviators. Delta’s Country Sales Manager, Delia Ortega, and LATAM pilot Yessica Garcia, spoke to more than 200 students about pathways into an aviation career, as part of Delta’s larger support of Junior Achievement Americas.
CONNECTING PERU TO THE WORLD
Since last February, Delta Air Lines has achieved a milestone in its operational presence in Lima, reaching its highest historical capacity in this country by increasing available seats by an annual rate of 57%. This operation is being carried out using an A350, which has a capacity of 339 seats.
Since the implementation of the Joint Venture between Delta Air Lines and LATAM Airlines in October 2022, both airlines have increased capacity between the United States and South America by 75%. The growing number of travelers is already evident, driving the expansion of Delta’s current routes and the introduction of new ones. An excellent example is the route that LATAM will launch from Atlanta to Lima, a second frequency starting Oct. 29. Both Delta and LATAM’s schedules on this route are timed to increase and maximize connection opportunities to the top cities in North and South America that customers wish to travel to, opening more of the world up to travelers.
