When a LATAM Airlines' Boeing 767 touched down at McCarran International Airlines last month, it marked the first direct flight to connect Las Vegas and Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the only direct flight connecting Vegas to South America.
The new seasonal route, which is running three times each week through September 30 and then resumes from December 15 to February 28, 2019, is estimated to have an economic impact of $37.5 million. As the only nonstop connection to South America, it's also expected to be a key service for important feeder markets on the continent, including Brazil, Argentina and Chile, which, combined, sent approximately 200,000 visitors to Vegas in 2016.
"Brazil has long been one of our most sought-after markets," said Clark County aviation director Rosemary Vassiliadis via release. "In anticipation of new air service such as this, we recently increased capacity for international arrivals and expanded amenities that cater to international travelers, including more duty-free retail."
The flights can accommodate 191 passengers in economy class and 30 people in premium business class. They depart at 11:55 p.m. on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays and return from Las Vegas at 1:05 p.m. on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.