MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Lan record profit in first quarter.

Lan Chile profits in the first quarter reached an all time record of 48,1 million US dollars, a 123% increase over the same period a year ago, according to an official release from the Chilean flag carrier.

"The excellent conditions in the air market during the first quarter and the successful operative, commercial and managerial program enabled Lan operational performance to advance strongly in this period", indicates the release adding that the operational result increased 140% to 63,3 million US dollars.

Ticket sales jumped 29,8%, given the 21,4% traffic increase and 6,9% in yield, with an operational margin of 12,8%, 6,3 points above the 2002 average.

Freight income increased 20,9%, generated by a 11,4% traffic expansion and 8,6% yield growth.

Lan overall financial situation remains solid with a cash flow increase from 135 million US dollars in 2003 to 257 million US dollars in 2004.

Last March Lan Chile launched its new corporative image which was reduced to a simple Lan.

Currently Lan has affiliates in Peru, Ecuador, Dominican Republic and is negotiating the acquisition of the Argentine airline American Falcon.