Chile’s LAN Announces Expansion, Overhaul Plans

With the slogan “choose window or aisle”, LAN Airlines will start on April 9 a new business line under a low-cost scheme. This is aimed at competing with the sleeper bus market and also at extending its commercial market. The goal is to increase the number of passengers by 50 percent in the next two years.

According to its restructuring plan, LAN will increase frequencies and itineraries of all its flights in the country. Likewise, the catering system will be eliminated and only snacks will be given out in domestic flights.

Newspapers will not be offered anymore when getting on board –because it delays the cleaning of aircrafts- and stopover flights will be reduced as much as possible. LAN will also promote the use of internet for the sale of tickets and check in of passengers.

The board of directors of LAN will propose its shareholders that an increase of capital of more than $312 million be effective in order to renew the aircraft fleet of the company. LAN plans to incorporate five long range aircrafts for passengers, four cargo ships and 15 Airbus A320 for short range operations.