On 22 September, LAN Airlines, part of LATAM Airlines Group, welcomed its 787-9 fleet as a regular to the schedule on the trans-Pacific route between Sydney and Santiago, Chile.
The introduction of Boeing’s newest 787 model on the Sydney – Santiago route follows on from LAN’s successful launch of the 787-8 commercial service on this schedule in April 2015. From today, the 787-9 model replaces the 787-8 bringing with it more capacity and services to transport 27 per cent more passengers between the two regions.
Patricio Aylwin, Managing Director Asia Pacific, LATAM Airlines Group, commented: “LATAM is continuously looking for new ways to maintain outstanding inflight services, leadership and commitment to innovation and technology, and we are delighted to receive this next generation aircraft onto our schedule in the Pacific region as part of a wider initiative. The introduction of the 787-9 demonstrates LAN’s continued focus to feature more efficient aircraft across its network, as well as contributes to our plan of expanding the our capacity and presence in this region,” he said.
He continued, “The Boeing 787-9 is an exceptionally efficient aircraft in terms of fuel consumption and environmental performance. This new aircraft enhances the inflight travel experience and our overall offering, transporting more passengers over long distances with the same environmental efficiency.”
Boeing’s 787-9 expands on the design of the 787-8:
• Windows with up to 40 per cent greater surface area than current aircraft, providing passengers with greater visibility during their flight
• Overhead luggage compartments 30 per cent larger
• LED illumination and aerodynamics that provide for a smoother flight, in addition to new air humidification techniques that reduce sensations of dryness and fatigue, providing cleaner air
The 787-9 can also travel longer distances without stopping, while delivering the same environmental efficiency as the previous model. The 787 family consumes up to 20 per cent less fuel than other similar aircraft, reducing CO2 emissions by 20 per cent with less environmental impact.
LAN has configured the 787-9 cabin with 283 Economy Class seats and 30 Premium Business Class seats.
Premium Business Class provides full flat seats that recline 180 degrees with the same design as those currently offered, including an integrated footrest, memory system to save the user’s seat configuration, and a lumbar massage system to further increase passenger relaxation. In Economy Class, ergonomic reclining seats provide a headrest with four configurations, providing greater comfort to passengers.
The in-flight entertainment system uses a touchscreen equipped with cutting-edge technology. Passengers can access movie reviews based on the popular website IMDB and in the coming months will be able to access the Duty Free catalogue, add items to their shopping cart, and send their order to crew members. All of these options will be available on their personal touch screen from the comfort of their seat.
LAN Airlines currently operates seven one-stop flights each week from Sydney to Santiago, Chile, with onward connections to over 115 destinations in South America operated by both LAN Airlines and TAM Airlines.
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