Arturo Merino Benítez

Commodore Arturo Merino Benítez (April 17, 1888 in Chillán, Ñuble Province – May 2, 1970 in Santiago), was an aviator with rank of Commodore, and the founder of both the Chilean Air Force (1930) and LAN Chile (1929) the national airline. Known as the “Father of Chilean Aeronautics.” Chile's largest airport was named in his honour, Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport. His parents were Pedro Merino Feliú and Clorinda Benítez Labbé. He was considered a close ally of Chilean socialist President Salvador Allende. He died from a stroke at age 82, his remains are at the Cementerio General de Santiago.