LAN brings forward 787 deliveries

Boeing and LAN Airlines have reached an agreement which will see the South American airline bring forward delivery of its first 787-8s three years earlier than originally scheduled.

The airline will now receive its first Dreamliner in the first half of 2011 rather than 2014, with nine additional deliveries all brought forward. In total, LAN is expected to take delivery of 32 787s, of which 26 will be owned and six will be leased.

LAN CEO Enrique Cueto said, “The incorporation of the Boeing 787 ensures the company’s sustainable growth while preserving the environment and incorporating state-of-the-art technology to deliver the best travel experience for LAN’s passengers. LAN looks forward to incorporating this new generation of aircraft in the first half of 2011”.

LAN now joins All Nippon Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Japan Air Lines, Air India, China Southern, Ethiopian, Qatar and Continental as the airlines expected to take delivery of their first 787-8s during 2011.