Message of the month
ver en españolAt Aerocardal, our commitment goes beyond connecting people and businesses. With the same professionalism and dedication that define us in executive aviation, we operate a vital service for society: Air Medical Transport.
Every time our aircraft take off as air ambulances, we know that time is a critical factor. That is why we have equipped our fleet with the most advanced technology, transforming each aircraft into a Conventional Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This allows us to safely transport stabilized critical patients (secondary transfers), whether adult, pediatric, or neonatal, with the necessary care and attention.
We are especially proud of our ability to handle complex transfers, such as transporting patients with ECMO support (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), a clear demonstration of our constant effort to remain at the forefront of air medicine.
By working closely with hospitals, clinics, and insurers in Chile and abroad, we reaffirm our mission to provide safe and reliable air solutions.
It is an honor to be a key link in the emergency medical care chain, contributing to this delicate humanitarian task by supporting those who save lives—bringing peace of mind to both medical teams and families in these challenging moments.
We deeply appreciate the trust placed in us by our clients and the healthcare sector. It is a commitment we embrace with the utmost seriousness and vocation of service. Let’s keep flying with purpose.
Sincerely, Ricardo Real – CEO Aerocardal
Industry News
Expo Pilots 2025: The Premier Aviation Gathering in Chile
On September 6, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Santiago Kennedy, the second edition of Expo Pilots will take place—an unparalleled event in its category that has established itself as the most important space in Chile for professional growth, training, and networking for pilots and aspiring aviators.
With over 280 confirmed attendees, Expo Pilots 2025 will bring together airlines, flight schools, academies, aviation industry brands, and professionals from diverse fields for an intense day of conferences, exhibitions, recruitment opportunities, and live experiences.
High-Level Conferences:
The program includes 8 conferences delivered by national and international experts.
New Spaces in the Domestic Terminal (T1) Starting September 2025
More than two years ago, in April 2023, modernization and expansion works began at the domestic terminal of Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez Airport. In the first half of September, passengers will be able to use the newly renovated areas.
The project, with a US$60 million investment and carried out by Nuevo Pudahuel, aims to expand the capacity of the domestic flight sector to receive 20 million travelers per year.
This also marks the completion of the main expansion works, which began with improvements to the international terminal back in 2016, one year after the concessionaire took charge of the infrastructure.
More Shops and Dining Options
The initiative includes two main focuses: remodeling and expansion. The remodeling, executed in two phases, saw its first stage delivered in 2023—covering arrival areas and refurbished zones—while the second will open in September, adding a new boarding gate and connections.
As for the expansion, it included the construction of Terminal 1A, inaugurated in 2024, and a connector between the domestic and international terminals, which will also be operational as of September.
That same month, an additional security control hall will begin operations, managed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC). With a surface area of 948 square meters, it will feature up to eight X-ray machines, aimed at speeding up passenger entry and reducing lines and walking times.
New boarding gates will also open: B1, on the eastern end of the third floor; B2 and B3, in the central area of the second floor; and B5, on the southern side of the B boarding building.
Another area set to open in about two months is the aforementioned connector between the domestic terminal and the D boarding building of the international terminal.
Minister of Public Works, Jessica López, stated that this connector “will allow flights within Chile to depart from the D gates of the international terminal, providing greater capacity for domestic flights during peak demand months.”
Passengers will also gain access to 27 new shops and another 28 dining options located in each of the western and eastern rotundas.
Nicolas Claude, CEO of Nuevo Pudahuel, noted that “this project not only allows the domestic terminal to look toward the future but also expands its capacity to welcome nearly 20 million passengers per year with a renewed experience.” He added that it “strengthens the hub role of this terminal, bringing together in one space millions of passengers from 17 Chilean cities with Santiago and with multiple international destinations.”
Chile Plans to Raise International Boarding Tax
After the reduction in boarding fees implemented under former President Sebastián Piñera —a measure that helped democratize air travel— the current government of Gabriel Boric is considering reversing that policy.
The Budget Directorate (DIPRES) is reportedly proposing an increase in order to address the fiscal imbalance.
According to Diario Financiero, the agency under the Ministry of Finance has put forward an initiative to raise the international boarding tax by US$5 on flights over 500 kilometers. If approved, the fee would rise from the current US$25 to US$30, making most international trips more expensive.
The adjustment could impact an aviation market already showing signs of weakness. After the slow recovery that followed the 2020 health restrictions, Chile has struggled to generate new drivers to stimulate air traffic. Added to this is the country’s weak economic growth in recent years, which has limited demand.
In 2025, the country has recorded only a 3.7% increase in domestic and international passenger traffic. July showed the weakest performance, with growth of just 0.8%. In this context, a rise in boarding fees threatens to further increase travel costs and discourage air activity.
Air Force Participation in the Grand Military Parade
The participation of the Chilean Air Force (FACH) during the 2025 Grand Military Parade, held as part of Army Day celebrations, received prominent press coverage.
On the occasion of the Army’s 215th anniversary, the Air Force presented both an air and ground contingent at the Elipse in O’Higgins Park. The event was widely covered by major national media outlets, including television, print, radio, and online platforms.
The media highlighted the presence of FACH Military Aviators in the parade, along with the various aircraft that took part in the aerial display, such as the GB1 Halcones, the T-35 Pillán, and strategic transport aircraft including the KC-135, C-130 Hercules, Boeing 737, and G IV Gulfstream.
Featured Service
HIGH-TECH EQUIPMENT
Fully equipped Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients. Capability for “ECMO” (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) transport for critical patients.
STATE-OF-THE-ART AIRCRAFT
Our versatile air ambulance fleet is equipped with the latest medical technology to ensure proper patient care during flight.
