Message of the month
Dear clients, partners, and collaborators,
Since 1990, Aerocardal has operated uninterruptedly, establishing itself as one of the leading private aviation companies in Chile. We specialize in executive charter flights, air ambulance services, specialized cargo transport, and the operation of our own FBO (private passenger terminal) at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, where we have 30,251 m² of infrastructure dedicated to aircraft, crew, and passenger services.
Our fleet includes executive jets with a capacity of up to 8 passengers, turboprop aircraft with up to 19 seats, and helicopters, allowing us to cover destinations both within Chile and abroad, for individual clients as well as corporate companies. We also operate certified air ambulance aircraft equipped with ICU systems for adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients, including ECMO capability for critical cases. These services are available for both domestic and international flights, supported by our global partnerships for long-range medical transfers, with coordinated operations to and from North America and Europe.
We are also the only executive aviation company in Chile authorized to transport special cargo, including hazardous materials, live animals, and high-value goods.
At Aerocardal, we understand that beyond safety, time and efficiency are critical for our clients. That’s why our Aerocardal FBO (private airport terminal) ensures seamless coordination, allowing passengers to board in just 10 minutes. Our operations are guided by three core principles: safety, reliability, and rapid response.
Sincerely,
Ricardo Real – CEO Aerocardal
Industry News
Aviation in Latin America: A Driver of Integration, Employment, and Development
In Latin America and the Caribbean, aviation is much more than a means of transport — it is a key driver of regional integration, social inclusion, and economic growth. With over 670 million people connected across 33 countries, aviation moved nearly 481 million passengers in 2024 alone, reflecting a 7.8% growth compared to the previous year. Countries like Colombia and Brazil have led this expansion, driven by increasing demand, growing competition, and the opening of new markets. The industry also supports 8.3 million jobs and contributes $240 billion to the regional GDP.
However, despite its great potential, the aviation sector faces structural challenges that hinder its sustainability and expansion. Excessive taxation — such as in the Caribbean or proposed reforms in Brazil — increases flight costs, discourages demand, and limits access to air travel. Added to this are fragmented regulations, political pressures, congested infrastructure, and slow adoption of sustainable fuels. As a result, the region’s airlines earn an average profit of just $3.40 per passenger, threatening their competitiveness and long-term stability.
Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo to Shape the Future of the NH90 with the Block 2 Version
Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo are joining forces to develop an architectural study that will lay the groundwork for the long-term evolution of the NH90 military helicopter. This new phase, called Block 2, is in response to a direct request from NATO’s Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA), aiming to ensure the platform’s relevance for decades to come.
The study, expected to be contracted with NAHEMA before the end of the year, will help operating nations make strategic decisions regarding the next steps for Block 2. The timeline aligns with other ongoing research into next-generation defense capabilities and technologies in Europe.
Block 2 upgrades will feature key structural improvements such as modular open-architecture avionics, increased configuration commonality between variants to streamline logistics, optimized maintenance and performance, and integration of new capabilities in collaborative combat, connectivity, and manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T).
Leonardo and Weststar Launch Major Helicopter Expansion and Modernization Program in Malaysia
During the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA), Leonardo and its long-standing Malaysian partner Weststar Aviation Services (Weststar) launched the most significant helicopter fleet expansion and modernization program ever implemented by the manufacturer in the country. The program is designed to meet a wide range of national defense, security, and community support needs.
Weststar plans to deliver up to 28 helicopters of various models between 2026 and 2027 under a mix of firm orders and options. The aircraft will be leased to the Malaysian Government for 15 years, with tailored support and training services.
The program marks substantial growth for Leonardo Helicopters’ presence among military, national security, and public service operators in Malaysia. It includes helicopters for the Royal Malaysian Police and Fire Department (Bomba) for missions such as law enforcement, transport, fire response, emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue (SAR), and disaster relief.
It also includes AW149 helicopters for the Royal Malaysian Air Force and Army, for combat search and rescue and public service roles — introducing a next-generation multi-role military helicopter to the Malaysian defense sector and strengthening Leonardo’s footprint in the global defense market.
Trump Lifts Ban on Supersonic Flights Over Land
The President of the United States has signed an Executive Order authorizing civil aviation to fly at supersonic speeds over land.
On November 26, 2003, the last British Airways Concorde flight landed near Bristol, marking the end of commercial supersonic travel in the West. Supersonic flight declined due to low profitability, the fallout from a tragic accident three years earlier, and advances in telecommunications that reduced demand for ultra-fast executive travel.
But perhaps the most damaging factor was the restriction on flying faster than the speed of sound over land. The shockwave noise produced by supersonic aircraft led many countries to ban such flights over their territories, effectively neutralizing the aircraft’s speed advantage and limiting route expansion.
Now, with the lifting of this ban, a new chapter could begin for supersonic aviation. However, the challenge remains to develop quieter, more efficient aircraft that meet modern sustainability and regulatory standards.
Featured Service
Executive Flights
We offer a wide range of jets, turboprops, and helicopters for business, leisure, or family travel, tailored to our clients’ needs and destinations. Our jet aircraft can accommodate between 7 and 16 passengers and have the range to cover any destination across the Americas.
Charter Flights
For larger groups requiring domestic travel, we provide turboprop aircraft with up to 19 seats.
Air Ambulance
With over 25 years of experience, our company operates five aircraft equipped with ICU systems and top-level medical teams for the air transport of critically ill patients throughout the Southern Cone. Through our “wing-to-wing” agreements with North American and European partners, we also coordinate long-distance transfers to and from North America and Europe.
Cargo and Hazardous Materials Transport
With extensive experience, we are authorized to transport special cargo, including hazardous materials, live animals, and high-value goods. Our aircraft and team meet the highest safety standards to ensure secure and efficient delivery across the region.
