MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

LAN Chile consolidates as leading regional airline

Chile's flag carrier LAN announced Friday the fifth incorporation this year of a new long range Boeing 767-300, which is part of the 2006/08 fleet's expansion and renewal program costing two billion US dollars.

LAN based in Chile and with operates in Argentina, Peru, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic now totals 20 of these aircrafts which are used to fly throughout Latinamerica, United States, Mexico, the Caribbean and Tahiti among other destinations.

The Chilean company which has repeatedly been classified as Latinamerica leading and most reliable airline has also incorporated eight short range Airbus A 319 for domestic and regional flights plus other freight and charter operations.

"The historic expansion of our fleet is evidence of the confidence we have in the air development of the region", said Ignacio Cueto LAN's CEO:

In spite of soaring fuel prices LAN has managed to strengthen its market position and show a solid financial situation in the industry.

In the first nine months of 2006, LAN reported earnings of 147.6 million US dollars, 53% above the same period a year ago, based on increased passenger and cargo traffic.

Last October LAN showed a year to year increase in passenger traffic of 26.4% and 3.4% in cargo.

Between 2006 and 08 LAN is scheduled to incorporate 13 additional Boeing 767-300, totaling 45 aircrafts together with the 32 Airbus A320, A319 and A318.

Currently LAN has a fleet of 80 aircrafts between passenger and cargo units.