LAN Airlines

MIAMI- LAN Airlines, Latin America’s premier air carrier, will be present at the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) International Convention & Exposition in San Diego this year. Despite a year of challenges, LAN has accomplished major benchmarks as an industry leader, underscoring their commitment to growth, longevity and superior service in 2009.

“LAN continues to maintain a competitive position in the market as we expand our connectivity within South America; we continue to enhance our service offerings in both Economy and Premium Business Class to ensure we are providing the best service to our passengers,” said Pablo Yunis, LAN Airlines’ Vice President for North America and the Caribbean. “NBTA offers a platform for LAN to discuss exciting news for our airline including the launch of LAN for Business, convenient Premium Business Class fares through the end of the year, and healthy financials in the midst of global economic challenges.”

Investments in Technology and Service

To date, LAN has completed the implementation of its new Premium Business and renewed Economy Class on all long-haul flights the company operates to destinations in North America -United States, Canada and Mexico- the Caribbean, Europe, South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia.

LAN initiated the process of incorporating advanced technology devices, called winglets, in all of its Boeing 767-300 long range aircraft. As an important part of the company’s fleet renovation plan, winglets create efficiencies and underscore the commitment to the environment. Winglets are placed on the wings to improve the aircraft’s fuel efficiency. The reduction in usage equals approximately 450,000 tons of fuel per year, which means about a 5% decrease in CO2 emissions for every aircraft.

LAN recently announced the launch of LAN for Business, a new online booking engine designed to allow Small and Medium Businesses to purchase and reserve airline tickets directly with a few easy clicks of the mouse. The tool is specifically created to satisfy the administrative and management expectations of agents when booking business travel, and offers control, convenience, independence and savings. LAN for Business can be accessed at www.lan.com/forbusiness.

Additionally, LAN created a partnership with Prism Group to provide software for LAN Corporate sales contracting. PRISM is recognized around the world as the industry leader in data consolidation and warehousing of travel data. The implementation of this tool allows relationship growth and identification of new sales opportunities for LAN corporate sales team.

Financials

LAN reported a second quarter net income of US$4.2million in 2009, being among the few airlines in the world with positive results in these difficult financial times. Operating results for the quarter were impacted by a US$ 52.6 million fuel hedging loss. Excluding this impact, operating income reached US$87.6 million. Furthermore, in the second quarter, LAN’s operating margin, excluding hedging losses reached 11.2%which represents a significant increase in efficiency.

Social Responsibility

For the second year in a row, LAN partnered with Break Away Alternative Breaks to sponsor humanitarian trips to South America; the trips gather college students from U.S. hub markets (New York, Miami, Los Angeles) and transport them to Peru, Chile, Argentina and Ecuador where they assist in home building and education initiatives lead by local LAN and its affiliates’ volunteers, as well as members of “Un Techo Para Mi País” (A Roof for My Country).

80 year anniversary

As part of the continued 80th Anniversary celebration, 21 of LAN’s aircraft will travel around the world with specially designed livery commemorating the milestone. For the rest of this year and until March 2010, a select group of aircraft from LAN’s fleet that operates domestically, regionally and internationally will display the special commemorative edition livery.

Industry Recognition

LAN Airlines has recently received numerous awards for its exceptional service. The airline was named "Best Airline in South America" by the global Skytrax awards for airline excellence, and "Best Managed Company in South America" by the respected financial journal Euromoney. OAG, the Official Airline Guide, named LAN Airlines as the Best Airline in South America and the Caribbean; Global Traveler magazine named LAN Airlines the Best Airline in South/Central America and selected LAN’s onboard champagne as Best Airline Sparkling Wine for its Wines on the Wing, International Business Class Airline Wine Competition; Business Traveler magazine named LAN Airlines' Premium Business Class the Best Business Class to South America. Aviation Week magazine ranked LAN Airlines among the top 10 airlines in the world weathering the global economic crisis. Additionally, Airline Business, bestowed LAN’s Chief Executive Officer, Enrique Cueto, with the 2009 “Executive Leadership” award.

About LAN

LAN Airlines is one of the leading passenger and cargo airlines in Latin America. The company and its affiliates serve over 65 destinations around the world through an extensive network that offers full connectivity within Latin America, while also linking the region with North America, Europe and the South Pacific, as well as 63 additional international destinations through its various alliances. LAN Airlines and its affiliates have a leading position in their respective domestic markets of Chile and Peru, an important presence in the Argentinean domestic market and recently begun domestic operations in Ecuador.

Currently, LAN Airlines and its affiliates operate one of the most modern fleets in the world, with 84 passenger aircraft, and its cargo subsidiary, LAN CARGO and its respective cargo affiliates, have a fleet of 11 freighters. The company recently completed its short haul fleet renovation process by acquiring new aircraft from the Airbus A320 family, enabling LAN to improve its efficiency and to reduce significantly its CO2 emissions. The fleet renovation is part of the company’s commitment to the protection of the environment.

LAN is one of the few Investment Grade airlines in the world (BBB). The company’s world class quality standards enabled its membership in oneworld™, the global alliance that encompasses the best airlines in the world. For more information please visit or

Megan Haney
212-642-7730