OFICIAL PRESS REALEASES
LAN AIRLINES CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF OPERATION TO THE UNITED STATES
Miami, August 15, 2008 .
LAN Airlines, (NYSE: LFL), South America's premier air carrier celebrates 50 years of operation to the United States in August, 2008. Over the last five decades, LAN has expanded its services to become one of the leading airlines in the world. LAN Airlines has been a member of oneworld - the world's leading quality global airline alliance- since 2000 and currently connects over 40 destinations in North America with South America. As evidence to LAN's leadership and dedication to outstanding service, in 2007 alone, the airline received seven international awards, including being named "South America's Leading Airline" by the World Travel Awards and "Best Airline in South America and the Caribbean" for the 7th time by the Official Airline Guide in 2008.
Pablo Yunis, Vice President of North/Central America and the Caribbean, LAN Airlines, commented, "For 50 years, LAN has strived to redefine the standard of air travel in South America. Our financial strength and our reputation for being a leader in providing customers with the best in-flight experience is reflected in our award-winning service and passenger preference for LAN."
On the actual date of the 50th Anniversary (August 16th, 2008), short and long-term initiatives for LAN Airlines include:
- Finalizing the modernization of the airline's long-haul Boeing 767-300 fleet to ensure a superior flight experience for passengers. Nearly all of LAN's Boeing 767-300s fleet have the new configuration. The new cabins feature LAN's Premium Business class, with one of the few full-flat, 180 degree-reclining seats to South America ensuring comfortable sleep in maximum privacy and comfort.
- This revamping of the fleet of 767-300s will also bring enhancements to LAN's Economy class, making it a more pleasurable travel option for LAN's customers. New seats incorporate bigger individual video monitors with high resolution and wide screen displays offering the same variety and entertainment content as in Premium Business. The new seats also have greater reclining capacity, a cushion that slides forward for increased comfort and convenience, an adjustable headrest and a cup holder.
- Since May 18, 2008, LAN has been exclusively operating Airbus A320 family aircraft on its domestic and regional markets, due to the phasing out of the Boeing 737-200 fleet.
- The renewal of this Airbus Fleet, which services short haul routes is now equipped with the most advanced technology available in the industry. The Airbus fleet fits LAN's commitment to the protection of the environment. The fleet was designed with a new environmental system that is fuel-efficient and has reduced CO2 emissions considerably.
- LAN has one of the youngest fleets in the industry with an overall age of 5.6 years.
- A US$ 3.5 billion investment in 26 new Boeing 787 Dreamliners which are scheduled for delivery between 2013 and 2018 (the largest such investment in the history of the airline).
- In November 2007, LAN Airlines celebrated its 10-year anniversary listing its American Depository Shares on the NYSE, making LAN the first Latin American airline to do so.
- In April of this year, LAN was reconfirmed with a BBB, "stable" Fitch rating which confirms LAN as one of the few investment grade airlines in the world.
Since the start of its service between the U.S. and South America, LAN Airlines has committed to deliver excellence in service and the best onboard experience. The years ahead will surely be marked by this same commitment to service, excellence and growth.
As the official date of LAN Airlines' Golden Anniversary draws near, more events and activities in cities throughout the U.S. will be announced.
