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LAN Airlines Reports Net Income Of US$93.6 Million for 4Q06 And US$241.3 Million for Full Year 2006.


SANTIAGO, Chile Santiago, officially Santiago de Chile (Spanish: ), is the capital of Chile, and the center of its largest conurbation (Greater Santiago).  -- LAN Airlines S LAN Airlines S.A. NYSE: LFL (formerly Lan Chile) is an airline based in Santiago, Chile. It is the principal Chilean airline and one of the largest in South America, with flights to Latin America, Canada, United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Oceania, and Europe. .A. (NYSE NYSE

See: New York Stock Exchange
: LFL LFL Lower Flammable Limit
LFL Lutherans for Life
LFL Lingerie Football League
LFL Like for Like (comparison of sales)
LFL Libertarians for Life
LFL Lucasfilm Limited
LFL Lot for Lot
LFL Looking for Love
), one of Latin America's leading passenger and cargo airlines This article is about the general type of air carrier. For the Israeli cargo airline, see CAL Cargo Air Lines.
Cargo airlines (or airfreight carriers, and derivatives of these names) are airlines dedicated to the transport of cargo.
, announced today its consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2006. "LAN (Local Area Network) A communications network that serves users within a confined geographical area. The "clients" are the user's workstations typically running Windows, although Mac and Linux clients are also used. " or "the Company" makes reference to the consolidated entity, which includes several passenger and cargo airlines in Latin America Latin America, the Spanish-speaking, Portuguese-speaking, and French-speaking countries (except Canada) of North America, South America, Central America, and the West Indies. . All figures were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles The standard accounting rules, regulations, and procedures used by companies in maintaining their financial records.

Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) provide companies and accountants with a consistent set of guidelines that cover both broad accounting
 in Chile and are expressed in U.S. Dollars.

HIGHLIGHTS

* LAN reported net income of US$93.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2006 (4Q06), compared to net income of US$49.9 million in 4Q05. Net income for full year 2006 reached US$241.3 million as compared to US$146.6 million for full year 2005. Excluding extraordinary items, net income for FY2006 reached US$213.0 million.

* The Company reported operating income Operating Income

The profit realized from a business' own operations.

Notes:
This would not include income from things such as investments in other firms. Also referred to as operating profit or recurring profit.
 of US$138.0 million for the fourth quarter 2006 compared to US$59.2 million for 4Q05, increasing its operating margin Operating Margin

A ratio used to measure a company's pricing strategy and operating efficiency.

Calculated by:
 by 7.8 percentage points to 16.2%. This was a result of an increase of 20.8% in revenue, which outpaced a 10.6% increase in operating costs operating costs nplgastos mpl operacionales . Operating costs were positively impacted this quarter by decreases in the price of jet fuel, which resulted in lower fuel costs of US$26.8 million.

* Total revenues for 4Q06 reached US$853.5 million compared to US$706.3 million in 4Q05, due to a 26.1% increase in passenger revenues and a 16.5% rise in cargo revenues. Passenger and cargo revenues accounted for 60% and 35% of total revenues, respectively in 4Q06. This growth can be attributed largely to the Company's long haul Long distance. Long haul implies traversing a state or a country. Contrast with short haul.  operations and to the consolidation of operations of Lan Argentina LAN Argentina is an airline based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is an affiliate of LAN Airlines and operates scheduled domestic services from Buenos Aires to Córdoba and Mendoza and international services to Miami. Its main base is Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, Buenos Aires. .

* During the quarter, LAN continued the expansion of its fleet, incorporating one new Boeing 767-300F freighter and one new Boeing 767-300ER passenger aircraft. This is the seventh of LAN's long haul passenger aircraft to feature the new Premium Business and Economy classes.

* LAN Argentina continued the expansion of its international operations Internal Operations (I.O., IO or I/O) is a fictional American Intelligence Agency in Wildstorm comics. It was originally called International Operations. I.O. first appeared in WildC.A.T.S. volume 1 #1 (August, 1992) and was created by Brandon Choi and Jim Lee.  with the launch, on December 5, 2006, of a new international destination: Sao Paulo. The airline currently offers 13 weekly frequencies between Buenos Aires Buenos Aires (bwā`nəs ī`rēz, âr`ēz, Span. bwā`nōs ī`rās), city and federal district (1991 pop.  and Sao Paulo in addition to service to Miami, Santiago and Punta Cana Punta Cana, named after a local cape, is a region in the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic. Covering about 4,200,000 m2 (approximately 1,100 acres), the region is home to a coastline of sandy white beaches and to a town of the same name. , Dominican Republic Dominican Republic (dəmĭn`ĭkən), republic (2005 est. pop. 8,950,000), 18,700 sq mi (48,442 sq km), West Indies, on the eastern two thirds of the island of Hispaniola. The capital and largest city is Santo Domingo. .

* During 4Q06, LAN implemented pilot programs to test its new business model for short-haul operations in three domestic destinations in Chile. These tests have shown very positive results. LAN's new business model for short haul Short distance. Short haul implies traversing a small geographic area such as a few miles at most. Contrast with long haul. See line driver.  operations seeks to increase efficiency in domestic and regional operations, and is expected to be fully implemented during 2007.

* On January 31, 2007, LAN announced that it has provided US$17.1 million in financing to Brazilian company VRG VRG Varig (Viacao Aerea Rio-Grandense, Brazil, ICAO code)
VRG Vegetarian Resource Group
VRG Ventral Respiratory Group
VRG Vaccinia-Rabies Glycoprotein (gene)
VRG Vision Research Group
VRG Vortex Ring Gun
 LINHAS AEREAS S.A. ("New Varig"). This may be converted into shares of New Varig. If LAN were to exercise its option to convert the loans into stock, the Company would then have a minority stake in New Varig.

* In December 2006, LAN's Business Class was selected as having the best service to South America South America, fourth largest continent (1991 est. pop. 299,150,000), c.6,880,000 sq mi (17,819,000 sq km), the southern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere.  by the Readers Choice Awards of Business Traveler magazine. During 2006 LAN was also chosen Best Airline in Central/South America by Global Traveler, one of the leading business publications for international executive travelers.

Management Comments on 4Q06 Results

LAN reported net income of $93.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2006. This result reflects a strong operating performance, with significant margin improvements resulting mainly from higher revenues per ATK ATK - Andrew Toolkit  in both the passenger and cargo businesses as well as from lower fuel costs, in each case as compared to the fourth quarter of 2005. While total revenues increased 20.8% during the quarter, operating margin improved 7.8 points to 16.2%. This represents a major accomplishment for the Company as revenue growth surpassed the 14.9% expansion in operations, as measured in system ATKs. The Company also benefited from an estimated US$26.8 million in lower fuel costs as a result of decreases in the price of jet fuel, partly offset by lower fuel surcharges and a small hedging loss.

Passenger revenues grew 26.1% due mainly to a 19.8% expansion in capacity as well as a 5.3% improvement in revenues per ASK. The latter resulted from a 1.4% improvement in yield and a 2.9 point increase in load-factors during the quarter. During the fourth quarter, the Company managed capacity to respond to demand growth and market opportunities. As a consequence, capacity increased on the majority of LAN's routes, especially those to the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. , Europe, and the South Pacific as well as within South America. Capacity decreased on segments to the Caribbean. Capacity also increased in all of the company's domestic markets, namely Chile, Peru and Argentina. During the quarter, higher yields as a result of nominal fare increases and better revenue management were offset by lower fuel surcharges resulting from lower WTI WTI West Texas Intermediate
WTI Western Transportation Institute (Montana State University)
WTI World Tribunal on Iraq
WTI With The Idea (used in chess to point to the idea behind a specific move) 
 prices as compared to 4Q05.

Cargo revenues rose 16.5% as capacity rose 7.4% and unit cargo revenues increased 8.5%. Higher revenues per ATK resulted mainly from an 8.9% improvement in yields, partly offset by a 0.3 point decrease in load factors. The cargo business continues to experience an imbalance caused by weak exports and strong imports into Latin America. In response to these conditions, LAN has adjusted its aircraft rotations in order to support northbound north·bound  
adj.
Going toward the north.


northbound
Adjective

going towards the north

Adj. 1.
 flights with stop-overs in various export markets. Additionally, the Company is reducing its ACMI ACMI Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (wet lease)
ACMI Art & Creative Materials Institute
ACMI Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation
ACMI American College of Medical Informatics
ACMI Australian Center for the Moving Image
 leases of dedicated freighters and increasing the usage of its own fleet of Boeing 767 freighters, leveraging the aircraft's low operating costs and their ability to adequately serve key destinations. Yields rose due to careful route selection and fare increases, mainly on southbound south·bound  
adj.
Going toward the south.


southbound
Adjective

going towards the south

Adj. 1.
 routes.

Operating expenses Operating expenses

The amount paid for asset maintenance or the cost of doing business, excluding depreciation. Earnings are distributed after operating expenses are deducted.
 rose 10.6% compared to fourth quarter of 2005 as capacity increased 14.9%. This led to a 2.0% decrease in total cost per ATK (which include net financial expenses). Excluding the impact of lower fuel prices, which generated US$26.8 million in lower fuel costs for the quarter, unit costs rose 3.7%. Ex-fuel, unit costs rose due to increases in wages and benefits, higher commercial costs related to the higher yields obtained in the quarter, higher airport fees, and higher fleet related expenses as a result of a larger fleet. These factors were partially offset by lower maintenance costs attributable to a more modern fleet.

The Company recorded a US$24.3 million non-operating loss in the fourth quarter of 2006 compared to a US$1.0 million loss in 4Q05. This was mainly the result of higher interest expenses due to higher debt related to fleet financing, as well as a decrease in fuel hedging Fuel hedging is the practice, often employed by airline companies, of making advance purchases of fuel at a fixed price for future delivery to protect against the shock of anticipated rises in price. See also
  • Hedging
 gains (US$4.3 million gain in 4Q05 as compared to a US$1.0 million loss in 4Q06) and an US$8.1 million provision related to the phase-out of the Boeing 737-200 fleet to occur during 2007. LAN has hedged approximately 36%, 27%, 28% and 29% of its fuel requirements for 1Q07, 2Q07, 3Q07 and 4Q07, respectively.

LAN continues to maintain a solid financial position, with ample liquidity and a sound financing structure. At the end of the quarter LAN had US$281 million in cash, cash equivalents and committed credit lines. Additionally, the Company's long-term debt Long-Term Debt

Loans and financial obligations lasting over one year.

Notes:
For example debts obligations such as bonds and notes which have maturities greater than one year would be considered long-term debt.
 only finances aircraft, has 12 to 18-year repayment profiles and features competitive interest rates.

In October 2006, LAN received one new Boeing 767-300F freighter to be incorporated into its dedicated cargo fleet. For its passenger operations, LAN incorporated one new Boeing 767-300ER into its long-haul fleet in November 2006, the fourth such delivery in 2006. This aircraft features LAN's recently-launched Premium Business Class and upgraded Economy Class.

Consistent positive results and a solid balance sheet have enabled LAN to continue advancing on a number of long-term initiatives. These plans, which encompass all levels and business units, are aimed at improving LAN's long-term strategic position by enabling the Company to address opportunities, strengthen its market position and raise competitiveness.
[TABLE OMITTED]


Recent Events

New Business Model for Domestic/Regional Operations

The Company has recently embarked on an important project to redesign its domestic and regional business model. This project seeks to increase efficiency and improve the margins of LAN's short haul operations, including domestic operations in Chile and its affiliate operations in Argentina and Peru, as well as regional narrow-body aircraft Noun 1. narrow-body aircraft - a commercial airliner with a single aisle
narrow-body, narrowbody aircraft

airliner - a commercial airplane that carries passengers
 operations. During the 4Q06 LAN carried out pilot programs to test this new business model in three domestic destinations in Chile: Puerto Montt Puerto Montt (pwār`tō mōnt), city (1992 pop. 130,730), capital of Los Lagos region, S central Chile, a port on Ancud Gulf, an inlet of the Pacific Ocean. , Punta Arenas Punta Arenas (pn`tä ärā`näs), city (1990 est. pop. 120,000), capital of Magallanes y La Antartica Chilena region, in Tierra del Fuego, S Chile, the only city on the Strait  and La Serena La Serena (lä sārā`nä), city (1990 est. pop. 105,600), capital of Coquimbo region, N central Chile, on the Elqui River. A commercial and agricultural center in a region of orchards and vineyards, it is a popular resort. . The Company saw very positive results in all of these markets in terms of demand stimulation as well as significant increases in first-time passengers.

LAN plans to implement the new model nationwide throughout Chile in April 2007. LAN Peru LAN Peru is an airline based in Lima, Peru. It is a subsidiary of LAN Airlines and operates scheduled domestic and international services. Its main base is Jorge Chávez International Airport, Lima.  has implemented the new business model on most of its domestic routes, and plans to complete its implementation during the first quarter of 2007. In Argentina, implementation by LAN Argentina of the new model will be gradual, and will focus mainly on certain operational changes. Both Lan Peru and Lan Argentina are currently operating all Airbus 320 family fleets.

Capital Increase

On January 26, 2007, LAN's Extraordinary Shareholders Meeting approved a share issuance of 7,500,000 common shares, amounting to 2.4% of the Company's current capital on a fully diluted di·lute  
tr.v. di·lut·ed, di·lut·ing, di·lutes
1. To make thinner or less concentrated by adding a liquid such as water.

2. To lessen the force, strength, purity, or brilliance of, especially by admixture.
 basis. A portion of this issuance will be designated to the implementation of a stock option plan for Company employees, under conditions to be defined by the Company's Board of Directors.

Financing to VRG Linhas Aereas S.A.

On January 31, 2007, LAN announced that it has provided a total of approximately US$ 17.1 million in financing to Brazilian company VRG LINHAS AEREAS S.A. ("New Varig"). These loans may be converted into shares of New Varig and if LAN were to exercise its option to convert the loans into stock, the Company would then have a minority stake in New Varig. LAN in currently involved in ongoing negotiations with New Varig's shareholders in order to potentially exercise its option to participate in such company through the capitalization capitalization n. 1) the act of counting anticipated earnings and expenses as capital assets (property, equipment, fixtures) for accounting purposes. 2) the amount of anticipated net earnings which hypothetically can be used for conversion into capital assets.  of its loans.

Outlook

The actions mentioned above are part of a broad set of initiatives aimed at reinforcing LAN's future performance. The Company's strong fourth quarter operating performance provides a solid base for long-term growth and profitability. As a consequence, LAN is in a position to plan for capacity expansion in response to growth opportunities, while leveraging opportunities to improve its cost performance. Combined, LAN believes that these elements will enable LAN to consolidate its position as Latin America's leading international carrier.

LAN is embarked on a very significant fleet expansion program, which included the delivery of a total of 13 passenger and cargo aircraft A cargo aircraft is an airplane designed and used for the carriage of goods, rather than passengers. This role demands a number of features that makes a cargo aircraft instantly identifiable; a "fat" looking fuselage, a high-wing to allow the cargo area to sit near the ground, a  in 2006. In addition to additional aircraft, ASK growth will be enhanced as a result of increased aircraft utilization Average numbers of hours during each 24-hour period that an aircraft is actually in flight.  and, to a lesser extent, the densification of its current fleet. Overall, LAN expects passenger ASK growth to be between 19-21% in 2007 and between 18-20% in 2008. LAN expects growth in the cargo business over the next two years will largely be driven by capacity in the belly space of passenger aircraft, as well as from the delivery of one new freighter in 4Q06 and a possible additional freighter in 2008. As a result, we estimate cargo ATK growth of 4-6% in 2007 and 4-6% in 2008.

Consolidated Fourth Quarter Results

Net income for the fourth quarter of 2006 amounted to US$93.6 million compared to US$49.9 million for the same period of 2005, increasing 87.7%. Net margin for the quarter increased 3.9 points from 7.1% in 2005 to 11.0% in 2006.

Operating income amounted to US$138.0 million in 4Q06 as compared to US$59.2 million in 4Q05. Operating margin for the quarter increased 7.8 points to 16.2%.

Total operating revenues operating revenue

Revenue from any regular source. Revenue from sales is adjusted for discounts and returns when calculating operating revenue. Compare other revenue.
 grew 20.8% compared to the fourth quarter of 2005, reaching US$853.5 million. This reflected a:

* 26.1% increase in passenger revenues to US$514.2 million,

* 16.5% increase in cargo revenues to US$302.6 million, and a

* 5.5% decrease in other revenues to US$36.7 million.

Passenger and cargo revenues accounted for 60% and 35% of total revenues for the quarter, respectively.

Passenger revenues grew driven by a 24.4% increase in traffic and an 1.4% increase in yields. Load factor increased 2.9 points to 76.2% as traffic outgrew out·grew  
v.
Past tense of outgrow.
 a 19.8% increase in capacity. Overall, revenues per ASK increased 5.3%. Traffic grew as a result of an 11.7% increase in Chilean domestic and a 26.7% increase in international traffic (including domestic operations in Peru and Argentina). International traffic accounted for 86% of total passenger traffic during the quarter. Yields increased 1.4% as nominal fare increases and better revenue management were offset by lower fuel surcharges resulting from lower WTI prices as compared to 4Q05.

Cargo revenues grew due to a 7.0% increase in traffic and a 8.9% improvement in yield. Yields increased primarily due to higher fares, especially on southbound routes. Traffic growth was slightly exceeded by a 7.4% capacity increase. As a consequence, load factors decreased 0.3 points to 69.0%. Nevertheless, revenues per ATK increased 8.5% as compared to 4Q05.

Other revenues decreased 5.5% as increased on-board On board usually means to be traveling on some vehicle. For example, Baby On Board. Compare with overboard.

Metaphorically, the term on-board is often used to refer to some piece of technology that is integrated in a moving vehicle, for example:
 sales, handling and courier revenues were offset by lower revenues from logistics and aircraft rental activities.

Total operating expenses increased 10.6% during the quarter as capacity, measured in system ATKs, increased 14.9%. As a consequence, unit (ATK) costs decreased 2.0%. Lower jet fuel prices during the quarter led to approximately US$26.8 million in lower fuel costs. Ex-fuel, unit costs increased 3.7%. Changes in operating expenses were driven by:

* Wages and benefits increased 19.5% due to higher provisions for employee incentive programs as compared to 4Q05, in line with the Company's improved results.

* Fuel costs decreased 1.8% as a 12.0% increase in consumption was offset by a 12.3% decrease in prices as well as by fuel efficiencies resulting from a newer fleet.

* Commissions to agents rose 14.8% as a 22.4% increase in traffic (passenger and cargo) revenues was offset by a 0.8 point reduction in average commissions. This reduction was mainly related to lower passenger commissions.

* Depreciation and amortization increased 52.0%, mainly due to the incorporation during 2006 of four new Boeing 767-300ER passenger aircraft, one new Boeing 767-300F freighter aircraft and eight new Airbus A319 aircraft, as well as to the reclassification Reclassification

The process of changing the class of mutual funds once certain requirements have been met. These requirements are generally placed on load mutual funds. Reclassification is not considered to be a taxable event.
 of certain expenses due to the change in maintenance accounting policies in January 2006.

* Other rental and landing fees increased 22.5%, mainly as a result of the impact of increased operations on landing and ground-handling fees.

* Passenger service expenses increased 18.2%, in line with the 22.3% increase in the number of passenger transported during the quarter.

* Aircraft rentals increased 3.0% mainly due to an increase in the average number of leased aircraft as a result of certain leases that were incorporated to the fleet during 4Q05.

* Maintenance expenses decreased 15.7% as increased costs due to capacity growth were compensated by efficiency gains related to fleet renewal programs, the renegotiation of maintenance contracts with third parties and the reclassification of certain expenses due to the change in maintenance accounting policies in January 2006.

* Other operating expenses increased 14.8% due to increased operations, which resulted in increased sales costs and costs related to the Company's frequent flyer frequent flyer Hospital practice A popular term for a Pt who is regularly admitted to a particular ER or health care facility, for various reasons  program LanPass.

Non-operating results for the fourth quarter of 2006 amounted to a US$24.3 million loss compared to a US$1.0 million loss in the fourth quarter of 2005. Interest income increased 22.1% due to higher average cash balances. Interest expenses increased 67.8% due to increased average long-term debt related with fleet financing. In the miscellaneous-net item, the Company recorded a US$8.2 million loss compared to a US$7.9 million gain in 2005. In 4Q06, this included a US$1.0 million fuel hedging loss (compared to a US$4.3 million gain in 4Q05) as well as a US$6.1 million foreign-exchange gain (compared to a US$3.3 million gain in 2005). This item also included in 4Q06 an US$8.1 million provision related with the phase-out of the Boeing 737-200 fleet planned for 2007.

Consolidated Full Year 2006 Results

Net income for the full-year 2006 amounted to US$241.3 million compared to US$146.6 million for 2005. Net margin increased 2.1 points from 5.8% in 2005 to 8.0% in 2006. Excluding extraordinary items, net income for 2006 reached US$213.0 million.

Operating income for 2006 was US$302.6 million compared to US$141.6 million in 2005. Operating margin for 2006 increased 4.3 points to 10.0%.

Total operating revenues amounted to US$3.0 billion in 2006, a 21.1% increase compared with 2005. This reflected a:

* 24.2% increase in passenger revenues to US$1.8 billion,

* 17.8% increase in cargo revenues to US$1.1 billion, and a

* 9.3% increase in other revenues to US$147.6 million.

Passenger and cargo revenues accounted for 60% and 35% of total revenues for 2006, respectively.

Passenger revenues grew driven by an 11.5% increase in traffic and an 11.4% increase in yields. Load factors remained flat at 73.8% as traffic growth equaled a 11.5% capacity increase. Overall, revenues per ASK rose 11.4%. Traffic grew by 3.1% in the Chilean domestic market and by 12.8% on international routes (including domestic operations in Peru and Argentina). International traffic accounted for 87% of total passenger traffic during 2006. Yields grew mainly due to the implementation of fuel cost pass-through initiatives as well as nominal fare increases and improved segmentation.

Cargo revenues grew due to a 7.8% increase in traffic and a 9.3% improvement in yield, measured in RTKs. Yields rose primarily due to increases in southbound rates and cost driven rate increases. Growth in cargo traffic outpaced a 7.0% increase in capacity, resulting in a 0.5-point increase in cargo load factors to 66.8%. As a consequence, revenues per ATK rose 10.1%.

Other revenues grew 9.3%, mainly driven by higher revenues from on-board sales and courier operations, as well as higher revenues from aircraft leasing and handling activities to third parties, partially offset by lower maintenance to third parties.

Total operating expenses increased 15.5% in 2006 compared to 2005, as capacity, measured in system ATKs, increased 9.3%. As a consequence, unit (ATK) costs increased 6.9%. Excluding the impact of higher fuel prices, which led to US$70.9 million in additional expenses, unit costs increased 6.2%. Changes in operating expenses were driven by:

* Wages and benefits increased 19.2% mainly due to the appreciation of the Chilean peso in relation to the US dollar and increased headcount (mainly related to the start up of operations in Lan Argentina in mid-2005), as well as higher provisions for employee incentive programs during 2006. .

* Fuel costs increased 18.9% due to a 10.2% increase in prices and a 7.8% increase in consumption, offset by a more fuel efficient fleet.

* Commissions to agents rose 16.9% driven primarily from a 21.7% increase in traffic (passenger and cargo) revenues. As a percentage of traffic revenues, commissions fell 0.6 points to 14.0% This reduction was mainly related to lower passenger commissions.

* Depreciation and amortization increased 52.6%, mainly due to the incorporation of four new Boeing 767-300 passenger aircraft, one new Boeing 767 freighter aircraft, and eight new Airbus A319 aircraft, and to the reclassification of certain expenses due to the change in maintenance accounting policies in January 2006.

* Other rental and landing fees increased 11.7% mainly due the impact of increased operations on both landing fees and ground-handling expenses.

* Passenger service expenses increased 5.5%, as an 11.5% increase in the number of passengers transported was offset by changes in the on-board service process on certain domestic operations.

* Aircraft rentals increased 6.4% mainly due to an increase in the average number of leased aircraft as compared to 2005.

* Maintenance expenses decreased 11.3% as increased costs due to capacity growth were compensated by efficiency gains related to fleet renewal programs, the renegotiation of maintenance contracts with third parties, and the reclassification of certain expenses due to the change in maintenance accounting policies in January 2006.

* Other operating expenses grew 14.0% due to increased operations, which resulted in increased sales costs and costs related to the Company's frequent flyer program LanPass

Non-operating results for 2006 amounted to a US$15.7 million loss compared to a US$31.5 million gain in 2005. Interest income decreased 36.4% due to lower average cash balances and lower interest rates. Interest expenses increased 55.0% due to an increase in average debt, mainly related to fleet financing. In the miscellaneous-net item, the Company recorded a US$37.1 million gain compared to a US$58.2 million gain in 2005. In 2006, this included (i) a US$40.3 million one-time gain due to a change in the Company's maintenance accounting policy recorded in 1Q06 (ii) a US$6.4 million pre-tax one-time charge due to severance payments recorded in 2Q06 and (iii) an US$8.1 million provision related to the phase-out of the Boeing 737-200 fleet planned for 2007 recorded in 4Q06. In addition, this item included a US$12.9 million fuel hedging gain (compared to a US$51.5 million gain in 2005) as well as a US$5.5 million foreign-exchange gain (compared to a US$6.0 million gain in 2005).

About LAN

LAN Airlines ("LAN") is one of the leading airlines in Latin America. The LAN Alliance includes LAN Airlines, LAN Express “LANExpress” redirects here. For the computer network, see Local area network.
LAN Express is an airline based in Santiago, Chile. It is Chile's second airline, a subsidiary of LAN Airlines, and operates an extensive domestic network and a few international routes.
, LAN Peru, LAN Ecuador Lan Ecuador is an airline based in Quito, Ecuador. It operates scheduled passenger services from Quito and Guayaquil with aircraft leased from LAN Airlines as required. Its main base is Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Quito, with a hub at José Joaquín de Olmedo International , and LAN Argentina. Through its own operations and code-share arrangements, the LAN Alliance serves 15 destinations in Chile, eleven destinations in Peru, nine destinations in Argentina, two in Ecuador, 30 destinations in other Latin American countries List of American countries

Nations:
  •  Antigua and Barbuda
  •  Bahamas
, 25 in North America North America, third largest continent (1990 est. pop. 365,000,000), c.9,400,000 sq mi (24,346,000 sq km), the northern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. , 13 destinations in Europe, four in the South Pacific and one in Asia. Currently, the LAN Alliance operates 70 passenger aircraft and ten dedicated freighters.

LAN is a member of oneworld(TM), the most international of the global airline alliances. It has bilateral commercial agreements with oneworld partners American Airlines American Airlines

Major U.S. airline. American was created through a merger of several smaller U.S. airlines and incorporated in 1934. It continued to buy the routes of other airlines, becoming an international carrier in the 1970s; its routes include South America, the
, British Airways British Airways
 in full British Airways PLC

International passenger airline based in London. In 1936 British Airways Ltd. was founded through the merger of three smaller airlines.
, Iberia and Qantas and also with Alaska Airlines Alaska Airlines, (NYSE: ALK) is an airline based in Seattle, Washington, United States. It operates hubs at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and Portland International Airport. , AeroMexico, Mexicana, TAM and Lufthansa Cargo Lufthansa Cargo is the cargo airline subsidiary of Lufthansa based in Frankfurt, Germany. It is an international air freight and logistics company operating worldwide services. Its main bases are Frankfurt International Airport and Cologne Bonn Airport [1]. . For more information visit www.lan.com or www.oneworldalliance.com.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements forward-looking statement

A projected financial statement based on management expectations. A forward-looking statement involves risks with regard to the accuracy of assumptions underlying the projections.


This report contains forward-looking statements. Such statements may include words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe" or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations. These statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and, therefore, you should not place undue reliance on them. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. We caution you that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. These factors and uncertainties include in particular those described in the documents we have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly any of them, whether in light of new information, future events or otherwise.
COPYRIGHT 2007 Business Wire
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.
Copyright 2007, Gale Group. All rights reserved. Gale Group is a Thomson Corporation Company.

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