Yesterday, LATAM Airlines began non-stop service from Lima, Peru, to Washington, DC, with the inaugural flight landing at Dulles on a stormy afternoon. Currently, LAN Airlines and TAM Airlines operate as independent air carriers under LATAM Airlines Group, but in the coming months will merge and rebrand together to form LATAM Airlines.
The aircraft arriving from Peru, landed on R/W 19R due to a quickly approaching storm cell a few miles off of the airport. After battling a significant crosswind, the first LAN flight to Dulles arrived with the thunderstorm brewing behind it. Guests were shuttled to the gate to witness the ceremonial water arch before heading inside for the ribbon cutting ceremony... and of course, cake: an airline tradition!
