Anniversary Message
In September, we celebrate not only our country’s national holidays (Chile) but also another anniversary of our company—this year with special pride, as Aerocardal marks 35 years of excellence.
Since its founding on September 14, 1990, Aerocardal has remained true to the principles and values instilled by our founder, Mr. Michael Kaufmann: an unwavering commitment to safety and excellence. As a pioneer in executive aviation and air ambulance services, Aerocardal quickly became a reference in the aviation industry, soon expanding its offerings with the inauguration of Chile’s first private FBO and the services of our Aeronautical Maintenance Center.
For more than three decades, we have supported companies of all sizes, international corporations, industries, public institutions, tour operators, private clients, airlines, and countless national and international customers, making flying safer, easier, and more comfortable every day. Our clients have been able to carry out strategic projects—many in hard-to-reach areas—or solve complex aviation and maintenance challenges. Our mission has always been clear: to provide reliable, safe, and tailored air solutions to meet each client’s needs.
Today, with over 85,000 flight hours and 30,250 m² of facilities at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport—including our FBO, administrative building, maintenance center, and hangars—along with a diverse fleet of jets, turboprops, and helicopters, and a highly specialized team of professionals, engineers, mechanics, line personnel, and administrative staff, we reaffirm our commitment to continue connecting people, businesses, and communities with professionalism and dedication.
Aerocardal not only looks back on its history with pride; we also look forward to the future with the same vision of leadership, innovation, safety, and service that has brought us this far.
We sincerely thank our clients and collaborators, who have been an essential part of this journey.
Happy National Day Celebration
Happy 35th anniversary to the entire Aerocardal team, collaborators, and clients!
Sincerely, Ricardo Real – CEO Aerocardal
Industry News
Embraer Expands Its Service Network in South America: Aerocardal Becomes Its New Authorized Center in Chile.
Embraer announced the addition of Aerocardal to its Authorized Service Center Network, a move that expands and strengthens support for operators of its executive jets in Chile and the Southern Cone. Based at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago, Aerocardal becomes a key support hub for the Brazilian manufacturer’s regional fleet.
From now on, the Chilean company—whose executive aviation history dates back to 1991—will provide line maintenance, unscheduled maintenance services, and crucial AOG (Aircraft on Ground) support. These services will be available to both local clients and foreign operators flying popular models such as the Phenom and Praetor within Chilean territory.
The choice of Aerocardal is no coincidence. The company is one of the most prominent players in Chilean private aviation, operating not only as a maintenance workshop but also as an FBO (Fixed Base Operator), charter flight provider, and aeromedical services operator. Its location at Chile’s main air hub ensures fast and efficient response.
Why Does It Seem Like There Are More Air Accidents Now?.
Although air accidents may appear more frequent, data shows that commercial aviation is safer than ever. Experts explain to VOA how technology, strict protocols, and media coverage shape this perception.
MIAMI —
The January 29, 2025 air crash in Washington’s Potomac River, which claimed 67 lives, reignited the debate over air safety and how the public perceives such incidents.
While the general perception is that these incidents are increasing, the data paints a very different picture.
Airbus captain Perico Durán, who has 24 years in the industry, explained to Voice of America that the idea of an increase in accidents is not supported by statistics.
“In the United States, the last accident with fatalities before Washington occurred in 2013. That means 12 years without a single fatal accident in commercial aviation among airlines belonging to IATA (International Air Transport Association),” said Durán, who has also gained popularity on social media thanks to his educational content on air safety.
Virgin Galactic Plans to Begin Private Space Flights by Fall 2026
Virgin Galactic has announced that its commercial service is scheduled to begin in 2026. Specifically, both research flights and private astronaut missions are expected to start in fall 2026.
The company revealed its financial results for the second quarter, reporting revenues of $0.4 million, compared to $4.2 million in Q2 2024. The decline was attributed to the pause in commercial space flights as efforts shift toward producing the new Delta-class spacecraft.
It also reported a feasibility study in collaboration with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to leverage the company’s launch vehicle as a transportation platform.
In addition, Virgin Galactic highlighted progress on a feasibility study to potentially develop a second spaceport in Italy.
IATA Proposes Raising Commercial Pilot Age Limit to 67
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has proposed to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) raising the age limit for commercial airline pilots from 65 to 67 years.
Currently, ICAO regulations state that in multi-pilot commercial flights, the maximum age for one pilot is 65, while in single-pilot operations it is 60.
In its proposal, IATA added that this request would be accompanied by a framework of safety measures to ensure that pilots of this age are fit to fly.
“The proposed increase to 67 years is a cautious yet reasonable step, consistent with safety. This document supports ICAO initiatives to advance toward more integrated medical evaluation systems. These will ensure the safe implementation of changes in pilot age limits and reinforce the value and effectiveness of a comprehensive, systems-based, risk-assessment approach for managing any medical conditions that could affect flight safety,” IATA explained in its statement.
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 8 and 19 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.
