MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Lan, best airline in Central, South America and Caribbean

For the sixth time Chile's flag carrier Lan was named the best airline in Central and South America and the Caribbean according to the Official Airline Guide, the leading world guide in the airline industry.

Lan was also in the short list of eight companies for the Best Airline of the Year 2006, next to carriers such as British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Continental Airlines, Emirates, Quantas, CSA Czech Airlines and South African Airlines.

For over two decades OAG awards are granted according to the opinion of most frequent flyers all over the world who select the best air carriers at international level, acknowledging the excellence of services offered to clients.

The most outstanding personalities of the world air carriers' industry attended the 2006 awards ceremony recently held in London.

Armando Valdivieso, Lan's Passenger Traffic Managing Director said it was "an honour to have been awarded once again the OAG distinction which reflects the opinion of experienced frequent flyers from all over the world. We shall continue to work and offer an excellent service with the highest standards of safety and efficiency".

OAG which specializes in air transport annually honors airlines and airports that have managed to sustain the highest standards of service in the industry following on the opinion from international business travellers.

OAG 2006 Awards:

Best airline: Cathay Pacific Best airline Australasia: Qantas Best airline Asia: Cathay Pacific Best airline Central and East Europe: CSA Czech Airlines Best airline Central, South America and Caribbean: LAN Airlines Best airline North America: Continental Airlines Best airline Western Europe: British Airways Best airline Africa: South African Airways Best Airline Middle East: Emirates