It`s located in Callao, 11 kilometers (7 mi) from the Historic Centre of Lima and 17 km (11 mi) from Miraflores. Callao is the port city now fully integrated with Lima, the nation's capital. In 2008, the airport handled 8,288,506 passengers and 98,733 aircraft movements. In 2009, the airport handled 8,786,973 passengers and 104,966 aircraft movements , which although small, was one of the fastest increases in the Americas.
The first airport of Lima was the Limatambo Airport, located in San Isidro, which ceased operations in 1960 due to lack of space and capacity to handle the increasing flights. In that same year, the Lima-Callao International Airport began to operate in Callao. In June 1965, the airport was renamed as "Aeropuerto International Jorge Chavez" after French Peruvian aviator Jorge Chavez Dartnell and in December 1965, the current terminal building was inaugurated.
Over time, the airport showed signals of decay, lack of space for passengers and outdated technology in radar and safety. In 2001, in order to improve and expand its infrastructure, the airport was concessioned by the Peruvian government to Lima Airport Partners (LAP), now composed of Fraport and two other minor partners, retaining the air traffic control managed by the Peruvian Corporation of Airports and Commercial Aviation (CORPAC).
The airport is ready for sever changes, renovation and expansion due to an increase not just in tourism, but also in business. In February 2005, the first phase of the renovation and expansion project was completed, including the Peru Plaza Commercial Center and the new concourse. In June 2007 a four-star hotel was opened in front of the terminal. In January 2009, the second phase of the terminal expansion was inaugurated. Now the terminal has 28 gates, 19 of them with boarding bridges. In August 2009, Jorge Chavez International Airport announced that they should receive a new ILS CAT III in 2010 to help with fog landings in Lima. The construction of a second runway is another very important project to be completed in 2014. 'Arquitectonica", a Miami based architectural business and Lima Airport Partners set out to approve the construction of a second terminal and the expansion of the main terminal.
Hotel - Along with the airport expansion Lima Airport Partners added a four star hotel, 'Ramada Costa del Sol" right in front of the control tower and the arrivals exit. The Hotel is built with noise canceling panels as well as a Restaurant, a pool, business center, spa, beauty salon, gymnasium and a bar.
"Peru Plaza" Commercial Shopping Center - Located in near the passenger terminal in the Grand Concourse, The expansion included a new shopping center with stores, restaurants, gyms, spas, and souvenir shops. Stores such as Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Versace, Timberland and Esprit are located in the duty-free area of the concourse; this area is also to be expanded by 2011.
Food Court - Located on the second floor, the food court has outlets of: McDonald’s, Papa John's, Manos Morenas, Starbucks and others, there is also a Dunkin' Donuts next to the main entrance of the terminal.
VIP Lounges - Jorge Chavez Airport has various VIP Salons in the departures terminal, such as "VIP Peru", a luxury waiting room with bars, tables, and other amenities. For passengers in First class, there is an exclusive salon near the gates,"VIP Club". And renovated the "Sumaq VIP Lounge", a lounge exclusively for first and business class passengers nominated as the best VIP lounge of the year by the survey of the "Priority Pass" VIP Network.
Transportation - Transportation between the airport and city is provided by taxis, tour buses and vans. For security reasons, visitors are recommended to take only those taxis offered by registered companies at the airport arrivals area.
Tourist Information - Tourist Information is offered near International and domestic arrivals and departures, as well as informative material are given to direct tourists to the principal attractions of the country. |
