LAN Airlines Takes Delivery of Its First Boeing 787

LAN Airlines has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787, making it the first airline in the Americas to receive the new type.

Santiago, Chile-based LAN Airlines – a partner in the LATAM airline holding company – is only the fourth customer in the world to add the Boeing 787 to its fleet. LAN Airlines has agreed to acquire 22 Boeing 787-8 and 10 Boeing 787-9 widebodies from Boeing and leasing companies.

Santiago, Chile-based LAN Airlines is acquiring 22 Boeing 787-8s and 10 787-9s from the manufacturer and from leasing companies

LAN’s top executives, Boeing representatives and authorities celebrated the delivery at an event at the Future of Flight Aviation Center in Mukilteo, Washington, near Boeing’s 787 final assembly factory in Everett.

“We are delighted to receive this airplane. This is a landmark moment not just for LAN, but for all our passengers in Latin America and other countries the 787 will operate to/from,” said Ignacio Cueto, CEO of LAN Airlines.

“Thanks to this aircraft, we will be able to operate longer routes using a plane that is more environmentally-friendly and is highly efficient, which will ensure that LAN will be able to move forward through sustainable growth,” added Cueto. “Above all, the special features of the 787 will allow us to further improve the travel experience for our passengers.”

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is composed of light-weight composites and features numerous systems, engine and aerodynamic advancements which make it more efficient to operate compared with previous-generation aircraft. It is the first mid-sized aircraft capable of flying ultra-long-range routes, enabling airlines to open new, non-stop routes.

LAN’s fleet of Boeing 787s will first serve Santiago, Buenos Aires, Lima, Los Angeles, Madrid and Frankfurt. The airline will begin to operate the Boeing 787-8 commercially in the next few months, and these routes will be added gradually during its first year of operation.