Aviation History
Peruvian aviation history is anchored by pioneer Jorge Chávez, who in 1910 became the first aviator to fly over the Alps but died from injuries sustained in a crash upon landing, making him a national hero; Lima's international airport bears his name. Another Peruvian, Juan Bielovucic, made the first aerial crossing of the Andes in 1914. Commercial aviation began domestically with Faucett Perú, founded in 1928 by American aviator Elmer Faucett and considered one of the first airlines in Latin America, which operated for nearly seven decades before financial collapse in 1997. A state carrier, Aeroperú, was formed in 1973 from the reorganization of an earlier state airline, was partially privatized in 1981, and ceased operations in 1999. Since then, Peru's flag-carrier role has largely been filled by LATAM Perú (originally LAN Perú), alongside a growing low-cost segment that has seen carriers enter and exit the market in recent years.
Peruvian aviator Jorge Chávez became the first to fly over the Alps in 1910 but died from injuries after crashing on landing, becoming a national aviation hero.
Peruvian aviator Juan Bielovucic completed the first aerial crossing of the Andes mountains in 1914.
Faucett Perú was founded in 1928 by American aviator Elmer Faucett, becoming the first commercial airline in Peru and one of the earliest in Latin America.
Aeroperú was formed in 1973 from the reorganization of Peru's earlier state airline SATCO, becoming the country's state-owned flag carrier.
The Peruvian government partially privatized Aeroperú in 1981 while retaining a minority stake.
Faucett Perú, Peru's oldest airline, suspended operations in 1997 due to financial difficulties and was later liquidated.
Aeroperú suspended flight operations in March 1999 and was liquidated later that year, with LAN Perú (later LATAM Perú) assuming much of its route network.
Low-cost carriers including Viva Air Perú began domestic operations around 2017, part of a broader expansion of budget air travel within Peru; the low-cost segment has since seen further carrier entries and exits.
LATAM Perú · Sky Airline Perú · Star Perú · JetSmart Perú · Faucett Perú (historical)
General aviation-history sources (Wikipedia, airline histories); Peru's low-cost carrier market has been volatile in recent years (carrier launches, suspensions, and exits), so current operator names and market shares should be treated as time-sensitive.