Arturo Merino Benítez



Arturo Merino Benítez (b. Chillán, Ñuble, Biobío, Chile, May 17, 1888 - d. Santiago de Chile, Región Metropolitana, May 2, 1970), was an aviator with rank of Commodore, and the founder of both the Chilean Air Force (1930) and LAN Chile (1929) the national airline. Chile's largest airport is named in his honour, Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport. His parents were Pedro Merino Feliú and Clorinda Benítez Labbé. He died from a stroke at age 82, his remains are at the Cementerio General de Santiago.