LAN Airlines' Affiliate LAN Colombia Launches Miami-Bogota Service

MIAMI, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- LAN Colombia launched service today between Miami International Airport and Bogota, Colombia. The airline will operate four flights per week onboard modern Boeing Airbus A320 aircraft with connections to 22 destinations in Colombia including Cartagena, Medellin, Cali, Pereira, and Monteria.  The new service offers passengers more opportunities to discover Colombia with LAN's signature service, which includes complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, wine and spirits in-flight, as well as Juan Valdez premium coffee.  Passengers onboard today's LAN Colombia inaugural flights were surprised when Juan Valdez® was on-hand to kick-off service of his coffee in person. 

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120201/NY46100 )

"LAN Airlines and its affiliates are committed to growth, while providing passengers an increased number of connections within South America," said Pablo Chiozza, Vice President, North America and Caribbean, LAN Airlines. "Colombia represents the second largest passenger market in the region, and is the fourth largest economy in Latin America. We are delighted that our affiliate, LAN Colombia, is expanding its service in this fast-growing market and excited by the opportunities LAN Colombia represents for travelers and businesses in the U.S. and in Colombia."

LAN Colombia is currently the second largest airline in Colombia with 23% market share and an unparalleled network of domestic destinations in the country.

LAN Airlines and its affiliates recently signed an agreement with Juan Valdez® Cafe, the iconic premium coffee brand owned by Colombian growers, to serve their signature coffee onboard all international and some domestic flights operated by LAN Airlines and its affiliates beginning today.  LAN and its affiliates currently transport over 22 million passengers each year.  Given that number, they estimate that about 13 million cups of Juan Valdez® coffee will be served on board these flights each year.

LAN Colombia began operations on December 5, 2011. The launch of the new LAN Colombia was marked by the declaration of a partnership between LAN Colombia and ProExport, a government entity in charge of promoting exports, foreign investment and tourism to and within Colombia.

More Exciting News in New York

Beginning February 1, LAN Airlines and its affiliates operating to New York, LAN Ecuador and LAN Peru, will transfer operations to Terminal 8 at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The new location will streamline connections to other oneworld flights and will take advantage of the fully renovated terminal and provide passengers with a VIP lounge conveniently located inside the gate area and baggage check-in at the counter. Terminal 8 boasts a wide array of services including a Juan Valdez Cafe before gate check-in, duty free shopping, a 10-Minute Manicure salon and a Brookstone. Dining options include Wok & Roll and Bobby Van's Steakhouse.

About LAN

LAN Airlines is one of the leading passenger and cargo airlines in Latin America. The Company serves over 70 destinations around the world through an extensive network that offers a complete choice of connections to and from Latin America, while also linking the region to North America, Europe and the South Pacific. Through several code-share arrangements, LAN Airlines and its affiliates also serve 70 additional international destinations. LAN Airlines and its affiliates are leaders in the Chilean and Peruvian domestic markets, and they also have an important presence in the domestic routes of Argentina and Ecuador. Furthermore, in November 2010, LAN acquired AIRES, a Colombia-based airline, now known as LAN Colombia.

Currently, LAN Airlines and its affiliates operate 126 passenger aircraft. Meanwhile, its cargo subsidiary, LAN CARGO and its affiliates have 14 cargo aircraft. LAN has one of the most modern fleets in the world, which translates into greater efficiency and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, as proof of its strong commitment to protecting 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 airline alliance which LAN has been a member of for 10 years, and which encompasses the best airlines in the world. For more information please visit www.lan.com orwww.oneworldalliance.com.

CONTACT:  Alice Shepherd
T. 212.704.4433
[email protected]

SOURCE LAN Airlines