Aircraft

LAN examines contingency plans for 787 delays

By Lori Ranson

Boeing’s pushback of first delivery the 787 to late 2009 is forcing LAN to join other customers in looking for bridge aircraft to fill the void created by the gap in deliveries.

LAN in 2007 ordered 26 787s with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2011 and continue through 2016.

“With regards to the delivery schedule of the Boeing 787,” says LAN CFO Alejandro De La Fuente, “It is likely there will be significant delays estimated around two years."

Although LAN’s purchase agreement with Boeing “contemplates some penalties” says De La Fuente, “We cannot disclose them at this time.”

© LAN

LAN’s CFO today during an earnings call said the company is working on extending operating leases on some of its Boeing 767s and analyzing other aircraft, naming the Boeing 777 and Airbus A340 specifically.

The company this year is pushing forward some of its 767 maintenance checks to accelerate the installation of winglets on the aircraft.

Outlining its fleet forecast for 2008, LAN plans to take delivery of 19 passenger aircraft to replace its older Boeing 737-200s, which should be phased out during the second quarter.

De La Fuente predicts LAN dedicating most of its growth this year to adding frequencies in additional markets rather than opening new cities.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news