MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Lan begins Santiago/Punta Arenas night flights

Almost a hundred passengers inaugurated this week the first of two weekly direct night flights between Santiago and Punta Arenas which Lan Chile has added for summer season's months.

Flight LA291 left Santiago late Monday at 23:50 hours and arrived in Punta Arenas at 03:10 hours with 104 passengers.

At 04:00 hours and with 99 travelers, flight LA290 took off for Santiago de Chile where it was scheduled to arrive at 07:20 hours

The aircraft was an Air Bus 319 with a 144 seats capacity.

Paola Contardo Lan's Punta Arenas office manager said that bookings for the night flights have been a pleasant surprise and rates are also "most attractive".

The cheapest round trip ticket costs the equivalent of 100 US dollars; rates follow at 180 US dollars; 270 US dollars and 320 US dollars, plus the 20 dollars boarding tax.

"These are considerably cheaper than daily rates".

The cheapest rate has been sold out until mid November and the following is still available with a 20 US dollars fine to change departure date.

Ms Contardo said the promotional schedule is very useful for those visitors wanting to return on the same day once their business or motive for the flight is completed.

Other groups attracted by the accessible rates and non stop flights are sports and school delegations, said Ms Contardo.

"We are very satisfied with the experience so far and we expect the night schedule to consolidate as the season gets on".