MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Lan, best airline in South America and Caribbean

For the fifth time Lan has been chosen as the top airline of South, Central America and the Caribbean according to the Official Airline Guide, OAG, the leading world guide regarding air passenger transport.

OAG prizes began over two decades ago and are based on opinion polls among business passengers all over the world who are invited to nominate the best companies at international level.

In this year's ceremony held in London 42 carriers and airports were nominated in 16 regional and global categories and Lan was chosen as the region's top airline.

"It's an honour and we are proud to have received once again such an important distinction which reflects the opinion of experienced businessmen and frequent travellers from all over the world. Undoubtedly it's a prize to our constant efforts to deliver the best service with the highest world security and safety standards", said Luis Ernesto Videla, Lan' CEO.

Eddie Bell, president of OAG congratulated all winning carriers in the different categories "who have been recognized by clients as having delivered an excellent service to passengers.

OAG 2005 prizes show Continental Airlines as the top world carrier; Singapore Airlines in Asia; Quantas Airways in Australasia and Pacific; Czech Airlines in Central and East Europe; British Airways in Western Europe; South African Airways in Africa and Emirates Airlines in Middle East/India.