The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) reported on the efforts that have been made to expand the air connectivity between Peru (home of Machu Picchu – one of the New 7 Wonders of the World), and Italy (home of the Roman Colosseum – another of the New 7 Wonders of the World).
Two alternatives are planned that would improve Peru’s travel options to Europe and vice versa. One of them includes a route between Dubai, Milan and Lima, while the other proposes to establish a direct flight between Rome and the Peruvian capital.
The expansion of air services is part of the Government’s efforts to improve international connectivity, attract new airlines and facilitate the flow of passengers and tourists between Peru, Europe and other destinations.
The Minister of Transport and Communications, Rafael Rey, stressed that Peru has already put into force the air services agreement with the United Arab Emirates, which opens up the possibility that its airlines operate in the country. “Good news is that we have put into effect the air service agreement with no less than the United Arab Emirates, which will allow its airlines to enter Peru and vice versa,” he said.
Two alternatives
The procedures are in charge of the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) of the MTC and include two possibilities. The first corresponds to a connection from the United Arab Emirates, with a stopover in Milan before continuing to Lima. The proposal seeks to reach up to seven weekly frequencies, although it is still under evaluation to move towards its implementation.
The second alternative is to establish a direct Rome-Lima route through an Italian airline. This option remains at a stage of negotiations and market analysis, so its implementation has not yet been defined. The objective is to expand the connection alternatives between Peru and Europe and facilitate the transfer of passengers between both destinations.
Open skies and investment agreement
During a meeting between Minister Rafael Rey, the Italian ambassador to Peru, Massimiliano Mazzanti, and business representatives, the Open Sky Memorandum of Understanding that both countries have been working on was also addressed. The instrument seeks to create conditions to increase the supply of flights and promote greater competition in the air market.
If this agreement is finalized, the entry of new airlines would be facilitated and the possibilities of connection between Peru and Italy would be expanded. The authorities also highlighted the importance of strengthening the rapprochement between the public and private sectors to promote the participation of Italian companies in transport infrastructure projects in the country.
More flights to Cusco from Brazil
The minister also highlighted the recent launch of the Cusco-São Paulo international route, which will be operated by Latam Airlines and seeks to favor the flow of Brazilian tourists to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. This connection will be joined by Sky Airlines, which will incorporate seven weekly frequencies on the same route.
With this addition, it is expected to reach a total of 17 weekly frequencies between Cusco and São Paulo from next January. The increase in flights is part of the measures announced by the sector to expand international connectivity and facilitate the movement of visitors to Peruvian tourist destinations.
Finally, according to the Infobae report, as part of the rapprochement between Peru and Italy, Ambassador Mazzanti invited the head of the MTC to the Business Forum Italy-Peru, scheduled for October 5 and 6 in Lima. The meeting will bring together authorities and business representatives to address commercial and investment opportunities.