In this flight report, I will review my journey from Easter Island to Santiago in 2018. Since this trip took place seven years ago, my experience may differ significantly from what travelers might encounter on more recent flights.
MATAVERI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Mataveri International Airport (IPC) is often regarded as the most remote airport in the world, located 2,602 km from the nearest airport, Totegegie Airport, in French Polynesia. Commercial operations at the airport began in 1967, with monthly flights to the Chilean mainland using Douglas DC-6B aircraft. Significant runway extensions were made in the 1980s, allowing the airport to accommodate widebody aircraft and serve as a potential emergency landing site for NASA's space shuttle.
Currently, LATAM is the sole airline serving the airport, providing daily flights between Easter Island and Santiago. Before the pandemic, LATAM also operated flights between Papeete, Tahiti, and Easter Island; however, this route has been suspended since then.
A LATAM B787 aircraft has just landed at Mataveri International Airport, adorned in the former LAN livery. LATAM, the largest airline in Latin America, was established in 2012 through the merger of LAN and TAM.
TERMINAL BUILDING
The terminal building of the airport is a single-story structure designed in the style of a traditional Polynesian grass hut.
A drop-off area is conveniently located just outside the terminal building.
CHECK-IN
The check-in desks are located at one end of the terminal. There are no self-check-in kiosks, and the number of check-in counters is limited. Since LATAM operates a B787-9, which has a capacity of 313 passengers, the area can become quite crowded when check-in opens.
A dedicated lane is available for passengers traveling in Premium Business, which significantly reduces their waiting time.
Inside the terminal, there is a souvenir shop for passengers interested in last-minute shopping.
Entrance to the boarding room is only permitted after the check-in desks have opened.
This photo, taken from the airside in 2018, features the terminal building built with a Polynesian grass-hut design. Since LATAM was operating flights between Easter Island and Tahiti back then, the image shows a sign directing transit passengers to the dedicated lounge.
The plane I would be traveling on had arrived from Santiago, and it was taxiing to the designated parking bay.
A Moai statue stands in the outdoor waiting area, providing passengers with a last glimpse of Easter Island before they depart.
There was a crew change for the return flight to Santiago.
BOARDING
Boarding for this flight followed a row-number system, and priority passengers were invited to board first.
When it's time to board, passengers follow a clearly marked pathway from the gate to the aircraft.
This B787-9 aircraft was registered as CC-BGG. Its first flight was in December 2015, making it two years old at the time of my flight.
A close-up view of the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine.
Boarding via the stairs through the second door on the port side of the aircraft.
Boarding was also possible through the fourth door, which enhances the efficiency of the process.
CABIN DESIGN
Welcome aboard this LATAM B787-9 Dreamliner. Aura Lite seats from Zodiac Aerospace were used on this aircraft, with seats arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration.
PRE-TAKEOFF
Welcome drinks and nuts were offered to passengers prior to takeoff.
Pushback was on time. Unsure of the occasion, we were farewelled with a water cannon salute.
TAKEOFF
The aircraft was about to depart from Mataveri International Airport using Runway 10, which has a length of 3,300 meters.
SEAT AND AMENITIES
Each seat is equipped with a 15.6-inch touchscreen display.
Amenity kits were provided to passengers despite the short duration of the flight.
The "moeVarua Rapa Nui" magazine is placed in the seat pocket for passengers to read at their leisure. It contains information about the history and culture of Easter Island.
The seat can be reclined to a flat bed mode, with an impressive length of 6 feet 7 inches.
INFLIGHT SERVICE
The menu has a simple yet elegant design.
The menu was written in three languages: Spanish, Portuguese, and English.
I chose the grilled tenderloin for lunch, which was served with creamed corn and cherry tomatoes. The tenderloin was flavorful and perfectly cooked; overall, it was a delightful in-flight meal.
INFLIGHT
Electronically dimmable windows are featured on this Dreamliner aircraft, with control buttons located beneath the windows.
During the flight, passengers can enjoy watching Hollywood blockbusters through the in-flight entertainment system. In Spring 2018, “Thor: Ragnarok” was featured.
Noise-canceling headphones were provided for passengers' enjoyment.
Lying flat while watching my favorite show.
ARRIVAL
After approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes of flying, I arrived in Santiago in the evening.
Beautiful photos! This route is definitely on my bucket list, though hopefully they'll have the new cabins whenever I get around to actually planning a trip back to Chile. Even with these older cabins (the only cabins when this flight was taken), it's a great experience for a domestic flight! I'd flown the LA 789 on the trans-Tasman run in 2016 and really enjoyed it.
Thanks for sharing!