SKY Announces First Airbus A321XLR Route and Boosts Connectivity from Peru and Chile
As part of its regional expansion plan, SKY Airline announced on Monday the launch of three new direct routes designed to boost its air transport capacity in both the international arena and the Peruvian domestic market. The initiative includes adding Cusco–Santiago and Lima–Rio de Janeiro to its network, alongside resuming operations on the Lima–Puerto Maldonado sector.
With these additions, the airline’s Peruvian subsidiary expands its network to eight direct international routes from Peru and 17 domestic routes. This operational deployment reinforces the Andean nation as a cornerstone in the company’s financial and connectivity architecture.
The carrier also announced the launch of a new non-stop route between Santiago, Chile, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, starting in December.
Route Breakdown and Commercial Schedules
Cusco–Santiago: Direct Non-Stop Service to the Capital
Effective January 3, 2027, SKY will commence operations between Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco and Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago, Chile. The route will initially operate with a daily frequency during the summer season.
This strategic connection will facilitate inbound passenger traffic from Chile—Peru’s primary feeder market for tourism—by directly linking travelers to the Imperial City without requiring a layover at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. Furthermore, it will provide a non-stop travel option for residents of the Cusco region traveling to Chile.
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Lima–Rio de Janeiro: Strengthening the Brazilian Market
Timed with the year-end holiday season, the airline will connect Lima with Rio de Janeiro starting December 28, 2026. This destination marks the carrier’s second route to Brazil from the Peruvian capital, complementing its existing operations to São Paulo. The service will launch with a daily flight for the summer season, offering a new transport alternative for both leisure and business travel segments.
Lima–Puerto Maldonado: Boosting Traffic to the Amazon
Within its domestic network, the airline will resume the Lima–Puerto Maldonado route on March 1, 2027, operating daily flights. This service adds to the Cusco–Puerto Maldonado sector currently operated by the airline, establishing a direct link between the capital and the Peruvian Amazon while improving access to ecotourism destinations such as the Tambopata National Reserve.
Santiago–Punta Cana: Inaugural Airbus A321XLR Route
Out of Chile, the airline will launch operations to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic on December 29, operating four weekly frequencies. This route represents a significant milestone for the carrier, as it will be the first to be operated by its Airbus A321XLR fleet.
Executive Vision for Network Deployment
Airline leadership bases this expansion on the need to build a highly connected regional network, driving growth in strategic sectors of the local and international economy.
“Opening new routes from Peru means opening new opportunities for tourism, investment, and regional development. With Cusco–Santiago, we will facilitate direct arrivals from one of our main feeder markets to a key destination for Peruvian tourism; with Lima–Rio de Janeiro, we continue building an international network that links Peru with major regional markets; and with Lima–Puerto Maldonado, we provide a new option to reach the Peruvian Amazon. We want every new route to serve a clear purpose: to better connect Peru, support the development of the destinations we serve, and offer more choices for our passengers with an efficient and accessible proposition.”
— Pedro Navarro, Director of Routes, Schedules, and Alliances at SKY.
Financial Impact, Operations, and Growth in Chile
Tickets for these new routes are already available through the airline’s distribution channels. As an introductory promotional strategy, the Lima–Rio de Janeiro and Santiago–Cusco routes will feature a 50% discount on airfare for children aged 2 to 13 (inclusive on the date of travel).
Since launching operations in Peru in 2019, the carrier has transported more than 18 million passengers. Today, the Peruvian subsidiary accounts for 30% of the holding company’s total operational volume.
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