LAN Airlines and IBM Sign Services Agreement

SANTIAGO, Chile, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced a new five-year, multi-million dollar outsourcing deal with Chile's LAN Airlines, one of the largest Airlines in Latin America.

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Under the new contract, information technology (IT) services will span management, operation and control of LAN's core IT platform by IBM, and will also include security services and the execution of an innovation center. With direct communication to IBM's global development centers, the innovation center will serve as a hub for developing new ideas and enable LAN to stay current with the latest advances in technology in the aviation and travel industry.

In response to the new agreement with LAN Airlines, Rafael Guzman, Global Technology Services Manager, IBM Chile, said, "The contract strengthens the business relationship existing between the airline and IBM, which was established when IBM outfitted the new IT solution for LAN's aircraft maintenance management plan introduced in 2009. IBM redesigned administrative processes, leading to more efficient end-to-end execution. To that end, it capitalized on its experience in the air and space industry, engaging with project consultants from Argentina, Venezuela, USA, Canada and England."

Rafael Guzman continued, "IBM has decades of experience working with the world's leading companies and institutions in a wide range of industries including banking, healthcare, retail, aviation and travel, among others. Our knowledge and good practices created at our various sites around the world will be applied to the service we will provide for LAN. This is one of the clear advantages of working with a truly global supplier."

The contract was signed in December 2009.

About LAN

LAN Airlines is a leading airline in Latin America operating passenger and cargo flights. The company serves approximately 65 destinations in the world through a vast network, offering extensive connectivity in the region and connecting Latin America with USA, Europe and the South Pacific. Through several code-sharing agreements, LAN additionally serves another 63 international destinations. LAN Airlines and its affiliates lead the domestic markets of Chile and Peru, have a major presence in the domestic routes of Argentina, and have recently started domestic operations in Ecuador.

Currently LAN Airlines operates 85 passenger planes and its affiliate LAN CARGO operates 11 cargo planes. LAN has one of the world's most modern aircraft fleets, and recently completed its short-range aircraft renovation process with the new Airbus A320 Family, resulting in higher efficiency levels while significantly reducing CO2 emissions, as a token of its strong commitment to environmental preservation.

LAN is one of the world's few airlines that has been classified as Investment Grade (BBB). Its international quality standards have earned it its membership in oneworld™, the global airline alliance that gathers the best companies worldwide. For more information, please visit www.lan.com or www.oneworldalliance.com.

About IBM

Please visit www.ibm.com/services.

SOURCE IBM