LAN Airlines Update on Status of Flight Operations To/From Santiago, Chile

SANTIAGO, Chile, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- LAN Airlines reports, in accordance with the announcement made by Chile's Civil Aviation Authority, that the Arturo Merino Benitez International airport in Santiago, Chile remains closed for both international and domestic flights.

LAN is working closely with the Chilean Ministry of Public Works, the Civil Aviation Authority and the terminal concession company to reinstate operations as soon as possible.

The company has been operating the 17 flights that were destined for Santiago, Chile on February 27, and diverted to alternate airports. By the end of the day, all these flights will have arrived at Santiago.

Flight operations at the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago remain temporarily suspended.  LAN will alert passengers as soon as airport authorities reopen the airport for operations.

The Company has been providing assistance to affected passengers in the form of hotel accommodations for those that were in-transit and allowing changes to flight reservation through March 30th, 2010.  For updated information related to flight schedules passengers can visit www.lan.com.

The company will continue providing updates related to the status of its flight operations in Santiago as the information becomes available.

LAN Airlines has been in permanent contact with the Chilean authorities to assist in the air transport of humanitarian aid to Chile's south region.

"Our commitment is with those who have suffered the devastating consequences of the earthquake and we are collaborating with the authorities' requests," indicated Jorge Awad, Chairman of the Board, LAN Airlines.

The company remains on alert for approval from the authorities in order to schedule flight operations that will allow LAN to assist in the air transport of aid to the Bio Bio region in the South of Chile near the epicenter of the earthquake.

About LAN Airlines

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 began domestic operations in Ecuador.

Currently, LAN Airlines and its affiliates operate one of the most modern fleets in the world, with 85 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 LAN.com or www.oneworldalliance.com

SOURCE LAN Airlines