{"product_id":"chile-1929-santiago-to-arica-first-flight-cover-inauguration-of-linea-aerea-aeropostal-santiago-arica","title":"Chile 1929 Santiago to Arica First Flight Cover (Inauguration of Línea Aérea Aeropostal Santiago-Arica)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn important cover in the history of Chilean aviation. In 1928 Arturo Merino Benítez, concerned about the entry of foreign airlines that had expressed interest in establishing air services in the country and exploiting Chilean airspace, understood the importance this would have for the future of aviation in Chile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe requested permission from the President of the Republic to establish a mail and air transport service between Santiago and Arica, to be operated by the newly created “Línea Aérea Aeropostal Santiago-Arica” (Santiago-Arica Air Mail Line).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst using a DH-60 Moth biplane (De Havilland 60 Moth), and then a DH-60G Gypsy Moth, on January 21, 1929, ten planes departed for the northern region, making stops in Ovalle and Copiapó before reaching Arica. Prior to the official inauguration of the airline, 36 flights were made to Arica, transporting 12 passengers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn March 5, 1929, the President of the Republic, Carlos Ibáñez del Campo, signed a document that officially inaugurated the “Santiago-Arica Aeropostal Airline”. Operations then officially began with the placement of the mailbag in a compartment behind the cockpit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe airline was renamed “Línea Aérea Nacional” LAN in 1932. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarch 5th 1929 Santiago CDS with Arica receiving stamp to reverse. Period clipping from the South American Journal accompanies.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Classic Latin America","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45787183218882,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0581\/5481\/1586\/files\/Source165_20251228_0006.jpg?v=1766947355","url":"https:\/\/store.classiclatinamerica.com\/products\/chile-1929-santiago-to-arica-first-flight-cover-inauguration-of-linea-aerea-aeropostal-santiago-arica","provider":"Classic Latin America","version":"1.0","type":"link"}