By Jason Swensen, Deseret News | Posted – December 14, 2025
Salt Lake City — In a historic milestone for both Utah and Peru, Delta Air Lines on December 4 launched its inaugural direct flight connecting Salt Lake City and Lima, Peru. This new route not only signifies enhanced commercial and cultural ties between these two regions but underscores their shared historical connection through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Victor Avalos, center, works as a customer service agent as people pin up the flag of Peru for Delta’s maiden flight from Salt Lake City to Lima, Peru, at the Salt Lake City International Airport.
Latter-day Saint Bonds
Czibor Chicata-Sutmöller, the consul general of Peru in Salt Lake City, highlighted the strong connection shared by both regions during the flight launch. “And Peru's capital city of Lima is the only city in South America that has two Latter-day Saint temples,” he noted, emphasizing the significance of Peru within the church's structure.
The relationship between Utah and Peru has deepened significantly, particularly over the last few decades. Lima is currently home to four temples, and the Church of Jesus Christ has been pivotal in addressing humanitarian crises and providing disaster relief throughout Peru.
Focus on Togetherness
While the flight announcement and subsequent celebrations have sparked discussions on expanding commercial opportunities, the profound emotional connections are equally significant. Delta's Managing Director, Meng Aguirre, acknowledged that partnerships with the Latter-day Saint community influenced the decision to establish this direct flight service.
David Utrilla, the former honorary consul of Peru in Utah, played a crucial role in lobbying for this connection. Utrilla pointed out that around 20% of Utah’s population speaks Spanish and that the Peruvian community in Utah is thriving. “This isn’t just about flights; it's about connecting families and communities," he asserted.
Utah Senate President Stuart Adams is honored by Peru's Congress during the trade mission coinciding with Delta's launch.
Humanitarian Outreach
The Church of Jesus Christ has long supported Peru through various humanitarian initiatives, notably in times of need following disasters. For instance, after the devastating 2007 earthquake, the Church mobilized rapid response efforts, delivering immediate aid and assistance to thousands affected by the disaster.
Recent partnerships with organizations like UNICEF further demonstrate the church's commitment to improving the welfare of children in Peru. Initiatives focus on enhancing health and educational resources, ensuring children have access to vital services.
Cultural Exchanges
As Utahns embark on missions to Peru — a practice diligently managed by Chicata-Sutmöller, who oversees numerous visa applications — the flight offers new avenues for cultural exchange. This bond not only fosters economic growth but also enriches the personal connections that individuals share across these borders.
Utah Senate President Stuart Adams participated actively in the trade mission, fostering legislative ties while celebrating their shared cultural legacy. “We want to be partners,” he stated emphatically, establishing the importance of collaboration between the two regions.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks after the dedication of the Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple, highlighting the Church's growing legacy in Peru.
Future Prospects
With ongoing initiatives to build additional temples and strengthen missionary outreach, the momentum connecting Utah and Peru is set to continue. Elder D. Todd Christofferson, of the church’s Quorum of Twelve Apostles, remarked on Peru’s rapid growth as a Latter-day Saint nation, emphasizing that “God has had his eye on this nation.”
In summary, the newly established Delta Flight 193 symbolizes much more than a direct connection between Salt Lake City and Lima. It embodies a collective journey toward unity, culture, and humanitarian support, stitched together by the values shared by the Latter-day Saint communities of both places.
For more information on this burgeoning relationship, please visit Deseret News for updates on future developments and stories that continue to shape this unique connection.
