IAG Cargo will be expanding its Latin American network this winter, when British Airways launches a non-stop flight between London Heathrow and Santiago de Chile on January 3, 2017.

The new flight will be operated four times a week with a Boeing 787-9, with a cargo capacity of approximately 16 tonnes.

“This new route adds to our expanding network in Latin America, with perishables and pharmaceutical goods being key export commodities for this region,” said Camilo Garcia, head of sales at IAG Cargo. “Our next-generation aircraft with temperature control in the hold ensures that our time- and temperature-sensitive products are delivered in optimum condition for our customers. This new development augments IAG Cargo’s existing route into Santiago from Madrid, which helps to better connect our customers to the 350+ destinations on IAG Cargo’s global network.”

According to IAG, key exports from Chile include berries, stone fruits, grapes, seeds, fresh fish, wine and minerals, while imports include automobile parts and computer equipment.

The Santiago flight will be the longest in IAG’s network.

IAG has been expanding its Latin American presence, having started flights between London Gatwick and San Jose, Costa Rica, between Gatwick and Lima, Peru and between Madrid and San Juan, Puerto Rico in the past two months.

Details of the new flight are as follows.