1645353_2_6-K Novem

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 6-K

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the month of November, 2006

 

Commission File Number 1-14728

 

Lan Airlines S.A.

(Translation of registrant's name into English)

 

Presidente Riesco 5711, Piso 20

Las Condes

Santiago, Chile

(Address of principal executive office)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F  X  Form 40-F  ____

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):              

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):              

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes ___ No  X 

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-              

 



 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   


CONTACTS IN CHILE  CONTACTS IN NEW YORK 
Gisela Escobar – Head of Investor Relations  Maria Barona/Melanie Carpenter 
gisela.escobar@lan.com  lan@i-advize.com 
Juan José Irarrázaval – Investor Relations Analyst  i-advize Corporate Communications, Inc. 
juanjose.irarrazavalg@lan.com  Tel: (212) 406-3690 
Tel: (56-2) 565-3944/8775   

LAN AIRLINES REPORTS NET INCOME OF US$51.5 MILLION FOR 3Q06


Santiago, Chile, October 26, 2006 – LAN Airlines S.A. (NYSE: LFL), one of Latin America’s leading passenger and cargo airlines, reported today its consolidated financial results for the third quarter and nine-month period ended September 30, 2006. “LAN” or “the Company” makes reference to the consolidated entity, which includes several passenger and cargo airlines in Latin America. All figures were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Chile and are expressed in U.S dollars.

HIGHLIGHTS

LAN reported net income of US$51.5 million for the third quarter of 2006 (3Q06), compared to net income of US$23.8 million in 3Q05.

 

The Company reported operating income of US$70.5 million, increasing operating margins by 7.6 percentage points to 9.3%. This resulted from 22.6% revenue growth, which outpaced a 13.0% increase in operating costs. These strong operating results are despite US$21.8 million in higher fuel costs during the quarter.

 

Total revenues for the quarter reached US$762.3 million due to a 29.0% increase in passenger revenues and a 14.5% rise in cargo revenues. Passenger and cargo revenues accounted for 62% and 32% of total revenues, respectively.

 

During the quarter, LAN incorporated eight new Airbus 319 into its fleet, as well as one new Boeing 767-300ER passenger aircraft, which features LAN’s new Premium Business and Economy classes. These aircraft will be followed by one additional new Boeing 767-300ER and one new Boeing 767-300F freighter, both to be delivered during 4Q06.

 

On August 15, LAN Argentina began international operations offering three weekly frequencies on the Buenos Aires-Miami route. This became a daily flight as of October 10, 2006. By year end 2006, LAN Argentina plans to launch its second international route, Buenos Aires – Sao Paulo, with 13 weekly frequencies.

 

During the third quarter, LAN announced its new commission structure which will become effective January 1, 2007. It involves a 1% commission to be paid to travel agencies in Chile for economy class sales. The current 6% commission will be maintained for Business and First Class sales.

 

During 3Q06, LAN advanced in the implementation of its new business model for short-haul operations. This new model seeks to increase efficiency in domestic and regional operations, and is expected to be fully implemented by year end 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Management Comments on 3Q06 Results

 

LAN reported net income of $51.5 million for the third quarter of 2006. This result reflects a strong operating performance, with significant margin improvements resulting mainly from higher revenues per ATK in both the passenger and cargo businesses. While total revenues increased 22.6% in the quarter, operating margin improved 7.6 points to 9.3%. This represents a major accomplishment for the Company as revenue growth surpassed the 7.5% expansion in operations, as measured in system ATKs. The Company is also advancing in initiatives to control cost per ATK.

 

Passenger revenues grew 29.0% due to an 11.9% expansion in capacity and a 15.3% improvement in revenues per ASK. The latter resulted from a 17.0% improvement in yield while load-factors decreased 1.1 points during the quarter. During the third quarter, the Company managed capacity to respond to demand growth and market opportunities. As a consequence, capacity grew on routes to Europe, the South Pacific and within South America, while it decreased on segments to the Caribbean and the United States. Capacity also grew in the Chilean and Peruvian domestic markets, and especially in the Argentine domestic market given a low comparison base, as these operations began in June 2005. Load-factors were impacted mainly by higher yields, which rose principally due to improved segmentation and the usage of fuel cost pass-through mechanisms.

 

Cargo revenues rose 14.5% as capacity rose 3.0% and unit cargo revenues increased 11.2%. Higher revenues per ATK resulted from a 6.3% improvement in yield, as well as a 2.9 points rise in load factors. Conditions in the cargo business remain challenging given the 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 flights with stop-overs in various export markets. Additionally, the Company is reducing its ACMI leases of dedicated freighters and increasing the usage of its own fleet of Boeing 767 freighters, leveraging their low operating costs and their ability to adequately serve key destinations. Yield rose due to careful route selection, fuel-cost pass through mechanisms and fare increases, mainly on southbound routes.

 

Operating expenses rose 13.0% compared to third quarter of 2005 as capacity increased 7.5%. This led to a 6.7% rise in total cost per ATK (which include net financial expenses). Excluding the impact of higher fuel prices, which generated US$21.8 million in additional costs for the quarter, unit costs rose 3.3%. Ex-fuel, unit costs rose due to increased headcount, higher airport fees, and higher fleet related expenses resulting from a larger fleet. These factors were partially offset by lower commercial costs and changes in the on-board service process.

 

The Company recorded a US$10.9 million non-operating loss in the third quarter of 2006 compared to a US$17.8 million gain in 3Q05. This was mainly the result of lower fuel hedging gains, which decreased by US$15.3 million to US$6.4 million in 3Q06, while foreign exchange gains moved from a US$2.6 million profit in 3Q05 to a US$0.8 million loss in 3Q06.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

LAN continues to maintain a solid financial position, with ample liquidity and a sound financing structure. By the end of the quarter LAN had US$248 million in cash, cash equivalents and committed credit lines. Additionally, the Company’s long-term debt only finances aircraft, has 12 to 18-year repayment profiles and features very competitive interest rates.

 

LAN incorporated eight new Airbus 319 into its fleet during 3Q06, four of them during the month of August and four in September, destined for the domestic operations of Lan Peru. Regarding its long-haul fleet, in July LAN incorporated a new Boeing 767-300ER, featuring its recently-launched Premium Business Class and upgraded Economy Class. This was the third Boeing 767-300ER delivery of 2006 and will be followed by a fourth aircraft in November, as well as a Boeing 767-300F freighter to be delivered in October.

 

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.

 

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, Argentina and Peru, as well as regional narrow-body aircraft operations. A key objective of this project is to increase utilization of the Company’s narrow-body fleet to a target of approximately 12 block hours day per aircraft. This will be achieved through modified itineraries including more point-to-point and overnight flights, as well as through the phasing out of the existing Boeing 737-200 fleet in favor of the new Airbus 320-family aircraft during 2007. The new fleet will allow for lower unscheduled maintenance costs as well as cost efficiencies achieved through commonality of the fleet and operational efficiencies (i.e. fuel consumption).

 

Other key elements of LAN’s new business model will be the reduction in sales and distribution costs through higher Internet penetration and reduced agency commissions, a faster turn around time, and increased self-check through web check-in and kiosks at airports. These, together with simplifications in back-office and support functions, will allow the expansion in operations to occur without a corresponding increase in fixed costs, spurring an estimated 30% reduction in overhead costs per ASK by year end 2008. LAN plans to pass on these operating efficiencies to consumers through fare reductions, which are expected to have a strong impact on new demand stimulation.

 

Update on Lan Argentina

LAN Argentina has advanced on a number of key projects aimed at strengthening its operations. During the quarter, the airline advanced in the replacement of its Boeing 737-200s fleet in favor of Airbus 320s, improving LAN Argentina’s customer appeal, raising reliability standards and enhancing efficiency. On August 15, Lan Argentina began

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

its international operations with 3 weekly frequencies on the Buenos Aires-Miami route; this became a daily flight as of October 10. Lan Argentina plans to launch its second international destination by year end 2006, consisting of 13 weekly frequencies on the Buenos Aires-Sao Paulo route. Future domestic and international destinations will be evaluated, especially in light of the rights recently awarded to Lan Argentina to operate 35 new domestic and international destinations. Regarding domestic operations, on August 4, 2006, the Argentine government approved a decree allowing for a 20% increase in domestic fares. We expect the benefits of these recent positive events for Lan Argentina to be reflected in the future results of the Company.

 

Outlook

 

The actions mentioned above are part of a broad set of initiatives aimed at reinforcing LAN’s future performance. The Company’s strong third 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, 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 contemplates the incorporation of 48 passenger and cargo aircraft between 2006 and 2008. In the first nine months of 2006, the Company has already incorporated 11 new passenger aircraft into its fleet. In addition to additional aircraft, ASK growth will be enhanced as a result of increased aircraft utilization as well as to a lesser extent the densification of its current fleet. Overall, LAN expects passenger ASK growth to be between 10-12% in 2006 and between 23-25% in 2007. Growth in the cargo business over the next two years will result from the delivery of 2 new freighters, as well as from capacity in the bellies of the new passenger aircraft. As a result, we estimate cargo ATK growth of 7-9% in 2006 and 3-5% in 2007.

 

Consolidated Third Quarter Results

Net income for the third quarter of 2006 amounted to US$51.5 million compared to US$23.8 million for the same period of 2005. Net margin increased 3.0 points from 3.8% in 2005 to 6.8% in 2006.

Operating income amounted to US$70.5 million compared to US$10.0 million in 2005. Operating margin for the quarter increased 7.6 points to 9.3%.

 

Total operating revenues amounted to US$762.3 million, a 22.6% increase compared to the third quarter of 2005. This reflected a:

 

29.0% increase in passenger revenues to US$476.2 million,

 

14.5% increase in cargo revenues to US$247.4 million, and a

 

5.3% increase in other revenues to US$38.7 million.

Passenger and cargo revenues accounted for 62% and 32% of total revenues for the third quarter, respectively.

 

Passenger revenues grew driven by a 10.2% increase in traffic and a 17.0% increase in yields. Load factors decreased 1.1 points to 75.7% as an 11.9% capacity increase outpaced traffic

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

growth. Overall, revenues per ASK increased 15.3%. Traffic grew as a 1.8% decrease in Chilean domestic traffic was offset by a 12.0% increase in international traffic (including domestic operations in Peru and Argentina). International traffic accounted for 89% of total passenger traffic during the quarter. Yields grew mainly due to fuel cost pass-through initiatives and improved segmentation.

 

Cargo revenues grew driven by a 7.8% increase in cargo traffic and a 6.3% increase in yields. Yields rose primarily due to higher southbound rates as well as cost-based rate increases. Traffic growth outpaced a 3.0% increase in capacity and resulted in a 2.9 point increase in cargo load factors to 66.9%. As a consequence, revenues per ATK rose 11.2%.

 

Other revenues increased 5.3% as increased on-board sales and aircraft leasing revenues were offset by lower handling and courier revenues.

 

Total operating expenses increased 13.0% during the quarter as capacity, measured in system ATKs, increased 7.5%. As a consequence, unit (ATK) costs increased 6.7%. Excluding the impact of higher fuel prices, unit costs increased 3.3%. Changes in operating expenses were driven by:

 

Wages and benefits increased 11.8% mainly due to increased headcount as well as to a slight appreciation of local currencies in relation to the US dollar.

 

Fuel costs increased 20.4% due to a 12.0% increase in prices and a 7.5% increase in consumption.

 

Commissions to agents rose 6.3% driven primarily by a 23.6% increase in traffic (passenger and cargo) revenues. As a percentage of traffic revenues, commissions decreased from 15.2% to 13.1%.

 

Depreciation and amortization increased 56.1% mainly due to the incorporation of 14 new aircraft (three Boeing 767-300ER, one Boeing 767-300F and ten Airbus 319), and to the reclassification of certain expenses due to the change in maintenance accounting policies in January 2006. This was partially offset by two Boeing 737-200 passenger aircraft being phased out of the fleet.

Other rental and landing fees increased 13.3% as a result of the impact of increased operations on landing and ground-handling fees, as well as increases in fees in the United States, Ecuador and Brazil, compounded by higher insurance expenses due to a larger fleet. These effects were mitigated by lower ACMI leases in the cargo business.

 

Passenger service expenses decreased 8.4%, as the 8.8% increase in the number of passengers transported was offset by changes in the on-board service process on certain domestic operations, as well as by the renegotiation of certain catering services.

 

Aircraft rentals increased 9.4% mainly due to an increase in leased aircraft as compared to 3Q05. Specifically, the Company added five Boeing 737-200s, one Boeing 767-300ER and one additional Airbus 320 passenger aircraft.

 

Maintenance expenses decreased 6.2% as increased costs due to capacity growth were compensated by efficiency gains related to fleet renewal programs, and the reclassification of certain expenses due to the change in maintenance accounting policies in January 2006.

 

Other operating expenses grew 8.7% due to increased operations, which resulted in increased sales costs and costs related to the Company’s frequent flyer program LanPass, as well as due to higher marketing expenses.

 

Non-operating results for the third quarter of 2006 amounted to a US$10.9 million loss compared to a US$17.8 million gain in 2005. While interest income decreased 54.4% due to lower average cash balances, interest expense increased 59.3% due to the increase in average long-term debt. In the miscellaneous-net item, the Company recorded a US$3.5 million gain compared to a US$24.4 million gain in 2005. In 2006 this included a US$6.4 million fuel hedging gain (compared to a US$21.7 million gain in 2005) as well as a US$0.8 million foreign-exchange loss (compared to a US$2.6 million gain in 2005).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Consolidated First Nine-Month Results

Net income for the first nine months of 2006 amounted to US$147.7 million compared to US$96.7 million for the same period of 2005. Net margin increased 1.4 points from 5.4% in 2005 to 6.8% in 2006.

Operating income for the first nine months of 2006 was US$164.6 million compared to US$82.4 million in 2005. Operating margin for this nine month period increased 3.0 points to 7.6%.

 

Total operating revenues amounted to US$2.2 billion, a 21.1% increase compared with the first nine months of 2005. This reflected a:

 

23.4% increase in passenger revenues to US$1.3 billion,

 

18.4% increase in cargo revenues to US$770.2 million, and a

 

15.2% increase in other revenues to US$111.1 million.

Passenger and cargo revenues accounted for 60% and 35% of total revenues for the first nine months of 2006, respectively.

 

Passenger revenues grew driven by a 7.0% increase in traffic and a 15.3% increase in yields. Load factors decreased 1.1 point to 73.0% as an 8.6% capacity increase outpaced traffic growth. Overall, revenues per ASK increased 13.6%. Traffic grew as a 0.1% decrease in Chilean domestic traffic was offset by an 8.2% increase in international traffic (including domestic operations in Peru and Argentina). International traffic accounted for 87% of total passenger traffic during the first nine months of 2006. Yields grew mainly due to fuel cost pass-through initiatives and improved segmentation.

 

Cargo revenues grew due to an 8.1% increase in traffic and a 9.4% improvement in yields, measured in RTKs. Yields rose primarily due to improvements in southbound rates and cost driven rate increases. Growth in cargo traffic outpaced a 6.9% increase in capacity, resulting in a 0.7 point increase in cargo load factors to 66.0%. As a consequence, revenues per ATK rose 10.7%.

 

Other revenues grew 15.2% as higher revenues from on-board sales, handling activities, aircraft leasing revenues and courier operations were partially offset by lower third party maintenance revenues.

 

Total operating expenses increased 17.4% in the first nine months of 2006 compared to 2005, as capacity, measured in system ATKs, increased 7.3%. As a consequence, unit (ATK) costs increased 10.4%. Excluding the impact of higher fuel prices, unit costs increased 4.9%. Changes in operating expenses were driven by:

 

Wages and benefits increased 19.1% mainly due to increases in headcount and a stronger Chilean peso.

 

Fuel costs increased 27.8% due to a 20.2% increase in prices and a 6.4% increase in consumption.

 

Commissions to agents rose 17.7% driven primarily by a 21.5% increase in traffic (passenger and cargo) revenues. As a percentage of traffic revenues, commissions decreased from 15.0% to 14.5% in 2006 as lower average passenger commissions offset higher cargo commissions.

 

Depreciation and amortization increased 52.9% mainly due to the incorporation of 14 new aircraft (three Boeing 767-300ER, one Boeing 767-300F and ten Airbus 319), and to the reclassification of certain expenses due to the change in maintenance accounting policies in January 2006. This was partially offset by two Boeing 737-200 passenger aircraft being phased out of the fleet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Other rental and landing fees increased 8.1% as a result of the impact of increased operations on landing fees, handling costs and insurance expenses. These effects were mitigated by lower ACMI leases in the cargo business.

 

Passenger service expenses increased 1.5%, mainly due to the 7.6% increase in the number of passengers transported, offset by changes in the on-board service process on certain domestic operations, as well as by the renegotiation of certain catering services.

 

Aircraft rentals increased 7.5% mainly because of the incorporation of five additional Boeing 737-200s, one additional Boeing 767-300ER and one additional Airbus 320 aircraft into the Company’s leased fleet.

 

Maintenance expenses decreased 10.0% 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 13.7% due to increased operations, which resulted in increased sales costs and costs related to the Company’s frequent flyer program LanPass, increases in booking expenses, and higher marketing expenses.

 

Non-operating results for the first nine-month of 2006 amounted to a US$8.6 million gain compared to a US$32.5 million gain in 2005. While interest income decreased 48.6% due to lower cash balances and lower interest rates, interest expense increased 49.9% due to an increase in average debt. In the miscellaneous-net item, the Company recorded a US$45.4 million gain compared to a US$50.3 million gain in 2005. In 2006 this included a US$13.9 million fuel hedging gain (compared to a US$47.2 million gain in 2005) as well as a US$0.6 million foreign-exchange loss (compared to a US$2.7 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, LAN Peru, LAN Ecuador, 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, 25 in North America, 13 destinations in Europe, four in the South Pacific and one in Asia. Currently, the LAN Alliance operates 75 passenger aircraft and nine 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, British Airways, Iberia and Qantas and also with Alaska Airlines, AeroMexico, Mexicana, TAM and Lufthansa Cargo. For more information visit www.lan.com or www.oneworldalliance.com.

******

Note on Forwards Looking Statements

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. 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.

 



LAN Airlines S.A. 
Consolidated Income Statement (in thousands of U.S. Dollars)

     
For the Three-Month Period ended
    For the Nine-Month Period ended  
               September 30         September 30      
   
2006
   
2005
    % Change    
2006
   
2005
    % Change  
















 
REVENUES                         
 Passenger    476,198     369,219     29.0 %    1,299,148     1,052,934     23.4 % 
 Cargo    247,412     216,004     14.5 %    770,158     650,652     18.4 % 
 Other    38,717     36,765     5.3 %    111,145     96,450     15.2 % 



















TOTAL OPERATING REVENUES    762,327     621,988     22.6 %    2,180,451     1,800,036     21.1 % 
 
EXPENSES                         
 Wages and Benefits    (109,331 )    (97,784 )    11.8 %    (320,088 )    (268,793 )    19.1 % 
 Aircraft Fuel    (203,181 )    (168,799 )    20.4 %    (572,729 )    (448,061 )    27.8 % 
 Commissions to Agents    (94,520 )    (88,937 )    6.3 %    (300,398 )    (255,220 )    17.7 % 
 Depreciation and Amortization    (32,365 )    (20,737 )    56.1 %    (90,164 )    (58,976 )    52.9 % 
 Other Rental and Landing Fees    (82,869 )    (73,109 )    13.3 %    (243,458 )    (225,311 )    8.1 % 
 Passenger Services    (13,687 )    (14,934 )    -8.4 %    (41,015 )    (40,427 )    1.5 % 
 Aircraft Rentals    (40,213 )    (36,752 )    9.4 %    (118,590 )    (110,266 )    7.5 % 
 Aircraft Maintenance    (31,020 )    (33,079 )    -6.2 %    (90,266 )    (100,241 )    -10.0 % 
 Other Operating Expenses    (84,595 )    (77,847 )    8.7 %    (239,108 )    (210,338 )    13.7 % 



















TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES    (691,781 )    (611,978 )    13.0 %    (2,015,816 )    (1,717,633 )    17.4 % 
 
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)    70,546    
10,010
   
604.8
%    164,635     82,403     99.8 % 
















 OPERATING MARGIN    9.3 %    1.6 %    7.6 pp.    7.6 %    4.6 %    3.0 pp. 
 
OTHER INCOME ( EXPENSE )                         
 Interest Income    1,534     3,366     -54.4 %    5,291     10,292     -48.6 % 
 Interest Expenses    (15,884 )    (9,971 )    59.3 %    (42,092 )    (28,077 )    49.9 % 
 Miscellaneous-Net    3,457     24,366     -85.8 %    45,351     50,296     -9.8 % 



















TOTAL    (10,893 )    17,761     -161.3 %   8,550     32,511     -73.7 %
 
INCOME BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST    59,653    
27,771
   
114.8
%    173,185     114,914     50.7 % 
 Minority Interest    1,342     755     77.7 %    2,913     1,233     136.3 % 
 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES    60,995    
28,526
   
113.8
%    176,098     116,147     51.6 % 
 Income Taxes    (9,466 )    (4,712 )    100.9 %    (28,446 )    (19,425 )    46.4 % 
 
NET INCOME (LOSS)    51,529    
23,814
   
116.4
%    147,652     96,722     52.7 % 
















 NET MARGIN    6.8 %    3.8 %    2.9 pp.    6.8 %    5.4 %    1.4 pp. 
    0     0         0.067781754     0.061886528      
NET INCOME (LOSS) EXCLUDING EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS    51,529    
23,814
   
116.4
%    119,311     96,722     23.4 % 
















 NET MARGIN    6.8 %    3.8 %    2.9 pp.    5.5 %    5.4 %    0.1 pp. 
    2.4 %    4.7 %        6.8 %    6.2 %     
 
Shares Outstanding    318,909,090     318,909,090         318,909,090     318,909,090      
Earnings per share    0.16     0.07     116.4 %    0.46     0.30     52.7 % 
Earnings per ADR    0.81     0.37     116.4 %    2.31     1.52     52.7 % 



















 


   
For the Three-Month Period ended
   
For the Nine-Month Period ende
 
   
September 30
       
September 30
     
    2006     2005     % Change     2006     2005     % Change  

 
 
Operating Statistics                         

 
System                         

ATKs (millions)    1,545.5     1,438.1     7.5 %    4,610.9     4,297.6     7.3 % 
ASKs (millions)    6,700.6     5,990.5     11.9 %    19,126.3     17,614.9     8.6 % 
RTKs (millions)    1,062.2     976.1     8.8 %    3,121.5     2,900.0     7.6 % 
RPKs (millions)    5,072.4     4,600.8     10.2 %    13,952.4     13,036.7     7.0 % 
Overall Load Factor (based on ATKs)%    68.7 %    67.9 %    0.9 pp.    67.7 %    67.5 %    0.2 pp. 
Break-Even Load Factor (based on ATK)%    63.4 %    67.5 %    -4.1 pp.    63.5 %    64.9 %    -1.4 pp. 
Yield based on RTKs (US Cents)    68.1     60.0     13.6 %    66.3     58.7     12.8 % 
Operating Revenues per ATK (US Cents)    46.8     40.7     15.1 %    44.9     39.6     13.2 % 
Operating Costs per ATK (US Cents)    43.2     40.5     6.7 %    42.1     38.1     10.4 % 
Fuel Gallons Consumed (millions)    89.8     83.6     7.5 %    266.5     250.6     6.4 % 
Average Trip Length (thousands km)    2.180     2.150     1.4 %    2.204     2.216     -0.6 % 
 
Passenger                         

ASKs (millions)    6,700.6     5,990.5     11.9 %    19,126.3     17,614.9     8.6 % 
RPKs (millions)    5,072.4     4,600.8     10.2 %    13,952.4     13,036.7     7.0 % 
RTKs (millions)    456.5     414.1     10.2 %    1,255.7     1,173.3     7.0 % 
Passengers Transported (thousands)    2,327.1     2,139.7     8.8 %    6,330.5     5,881.8     7.6 % 
Load Factor (based on ASKs) %    75.7 %    76.8 %    -1.1 pp.    72.9 %    74.0 %    -1.1 pp. 
Yield (based on RPKs, US Cents)    9.4     8.0     17.0 %    9.3     8.1     15.3 % 
Yield (based on RTKs, US Cents)    104.3     89.2     17.0 %    103.5     89.7     15.3 % 
Revenue/ASK (US cents)    7.1     6.2     15.3 %    6.8     6.0     13.6 % 
 
Cargo                         

ATKs (thousands)    906.0     879.3     3.0 %    2,827.6     2,644.3     6.9 % 
RTKs (thousands)    605.7     562.0     7.8 %    1,865.8     1,725.2     8.1 % 
Tons Transported (thousands)    134.4     127.6     5.4 %    406.4     385.5     5.4 % 
Load Factor (based on ATKs) %    66.9 %    63.9 %    2.9 pp.    66.0 %    65.2 %    0.7 pp. 
Yield based on RTKs (US Cents)    40.8     38.4     6.3 %    41.3     37.7     9.4 % 
Revenue/ATK (US Cents)    27.3     24.6     11.2 %    27.2     24.6     10.7 % 

 


LAN Airlines S.A. 
     
Fleet Data       
 
Consolidated Fleet 
     
    As of September 30, 2006   



  Leased  Owned  Total 
Passenger Aircraft       
   Boeing 737-200  14  8  22 
   Airbus A319-100  5  10  15 
   Airbus A320-200  11  4  15 
   Boeing 767-300  13  6  19 
   Airbus A340-300  4  0  4 




TOTAL  47  28  75 
 
 
Cargo Aircraft*       
   Boeing 737-200C  0  1  1 
   Boeing 767-300F  1  7  8 




   TOTAL  1  8  9 
Total Fleet  48  36  84 

*During the third quarter LAN also operated between one and two Boeing 747, one DC-10, one DC-8 and one Airbus 300 cargo aircraft under ACMI lease contracts.

Note: table does not include one Boeing 767-200 leased to AeroMexico.

Future Deliveries*       
  2006  2007 
2008
 




Passenger Aircraft       
  Boeing 737-200  -  -  -  
  Airbus A318-100  -  10  10  
  Airbus A319-100  -  -  -  
  Airbus A320-200  -  2  2  
  Boeing 767-300ER  1  3  5 ** 
  Airbus A340-300  -  1  2  





TOTAL  1  16  14  
 
Cargo Aircraft       
  Boeing 767-300F  1  -  -  





TOTAL  1  -  -  

*      Refers only to firm lease or purchase commitments
 
**      Two of these include option to be converted to Boeing 767-300F freighter
 

 


LAN Airlines S.A.                 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows                 
 
   
For the Three-Month Period ended
   
For the Nine-Month period ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
   
2006
   
2005
   
2006
   
2005
 










 
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities                 
Collection of trade accounts receivable    745,251     533,235     2,115,516     1,616,027  
Interest income    1,290     3,037     4,684     9,896  
Income and other interest received    11,646     19,776     22,031     46,995  
Payments to suppliers and personnel    (565,788 )    (480,983 )    (1,767,882 )    (1,444,223 ) 
Interest paid    (15,604 )    (8,827 )    (40,956 )    (26,417 ) 
Income tax paid    (5,772 )    (336 )    (10,141 )    (841 ) 
Other expenses paid    (678 )    (377 )    (7,490 )    (1,265 ) 
Value-added tax and similar payments    (9,940 )    (8,770 )    (28,878 )    (26,702 ) 













NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES    160,405     56,755     286,884     173,470  
 
 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities                 
Proceds from share issuance    1,876     (159 )    1,896     2,921  
Loans obtained    353,645     95,624     590,233     95,624  
Securitization proceeds    (2,816 )    (3,254 )    (8,951 )    (9,599 ) 
Other loans from related companies    -     -     -     -  
Dividend payments    (48,063 )    (36,527 )    (84,906 )    (43,520 ) 
Loans repaid    (66,341 )    (5,374 )    (168,019 )    (16,744 ) 
Other    -     (102 )    (6 )    (1,901 ) 













NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES    238,301     50,208     330,247     26,781  
 
 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities                 
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment    (369,853 )    (239,101 )    (656,841 )    (350,253 ) 
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment    1,682     271     7,587     740  
Sale of financial instruments and other investments    3,072     8,169     25,373     42,317  
Other investments    (1,942 )    78     (1,942 )    (729 ) 
Investments in financial instruments    -     (3,863 )    -     (38,978 ) 
Other    -     (1,769 )    -     (3,010 ) 













NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES    (367,041 )    (236,215 )    (625,823 )    (349,913 ) 
 
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents    31,665     (129,252 )    (8,692 )    (149,662 ) 
 
Inflation Efect in Cash and Cash Equivalents    (120 )    215     (225 )    209  













 
Net Variation in Cash and Cash Equivalents    31,545     (129,037 )    (8,917 )    (149,453 ) 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of the Period    70,809     196,452     111,271     216,868  
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of the Period    102,354     67,415     102,354     67,415  

Note: The Company considers all short-term, highly -liquid investment securities with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents for porpuses of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Securities with original maturities of more than three months are not considerated as cash equivalents, and amounted to US$87.8 million as of December 31, 2004, US$48.0 million as of December 31, 2005, US$91.4 million as of March 31, 2005, US$30.7 million as of March 31, 2006, US$87.9 million as of June 30, 2005, US$26.0 million as of June 30, 2006, US$83.7 million as of September 30, 2005, and US$22.8 million as of September 30, 2006.

 


LAN Airlines S.A.         
Consolidated Balance Sheet (in thousands of US$)         
    As of September 30, 

    2006    2005 


ASSETS         





CURRENT ASSETS         
 Cash    14,360    8,367 
 Time deposits    23,230    12,438 
 Marketable securities    87,535    130,540 
 Accounts and notes receivable -trade and other    345,811    336,442 
 Accounts and notes receivable from related companies    3,430    10,432 
 Inventories    46,382    38,441 
 Prepaid and recoverable taxes    36,990    21,448 
 Prepaid expenses    16,443    12,074 
 Deferred income tax assets    9,124    9,316 
 Other current assets    5,027    31,111 





               Total current assets    588,332    610,609 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (net)         
 Aircraft    1,462,889    847,705 
 Other    257,066    233,493 





               Total property and equipment    1,719,955    1,081,198 
OTHER ASSETS         
 Investments    3,207    3,184 
 Goodwill    44,313    40,918 
 Notes and accounts receivable from related companies    32    140 
 Long-term accounts receivable    10,645    9,214 
 Long-term deferred taxes    0    0 
 Deposits and others    218,909    202,785 





               Total other assets    277,106    256,241 





               Total assets    2,585,393    1,948,048 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY         





CURRENT LIABILITIES         
 Bank loans    18,729    6,186 
 Current portion of long-term loans from financial institutions    79,150    41,576 
 Current portion of long term leasing obligations    54,258    45,728 
 Dividends Payable    6    12 
 Accounts payable    222,849    226,607 
 Notes and accounts payable to related companies    88    300 
 Other creditors    0    708 
 Air traffic liability and others    234,021    156,827 
 Other current liabilities    105,389    144,188 





               Total current liabilities    714,490    622,132 
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES         
 Loans from financial institutions    855,601    383,447 
 Other creditors    523    27,107 
 Provisions    62,349    119,177 
 Notes and accounts payable to related companies    0    81 
 Air traffic liability    22,649    34,415 
 Deferred taxes    124,023    89,556 
 Obligations under capital leases    186,181    169,110 
 Other long-term liabilities    16,808    11,553 





               Total long-term liabilities    1,268,134    834,446 
MINORITY INTEREST    2,310    3,636 





SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY         
 Common stock    134,303    134,303 
 Reserves    2,620    2,620 
 Interim dividends    -48,063    -36,451 
 Retained earmings    511,599    387,362 





               Total shareholders´ equity    600,459    487,834 





               Total liabilities and shareholders´ equity    2,585,393    1,948,048 


 


 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: November 17, 2006

 

 

 

Lan Airlines S.A.

 

/s/ Alejandro de la Fuente Goic

Alejandro de la Fuente Goic

Chief Financial Officer