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 April 2007

 

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-              

 

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

 

LAN AIRLINES REPORTS RECORD NET INCOME OF US$86.1 MILLION FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2007

 

Santiago, Chile, April 24, 2007 – LAN Airlines S.A. (NYSE: LFL), one of Latin America’s leading passenger and cargo airlines, announced today its consolidated financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2007. “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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Management Comments on the First Quarter of 2007 Results

 

LAN reported a net income of $86.1 million for the first quarter of 2007. This result reflects a strong operating performance, with significant margin improvements resulting mainly from higher revenues per ASK in the passenger business as well as from a lower cost per ATK, in each case as compared to the first quarter of 2006. While total revenues increased 14.2% during the quarter, the operating margin improved from 9.4% to 14.9%. This represents a major accomplishment for the Company as revenue growth surpassed the 11.2% expansion in operations, as measured in system ATKs. The Company also benefited from an estimated US$5.3 million in lower fuel costs as a result of decreases in the price of jet fuel, partly offset by a US$4.5 million fuel hedging loss.

 

Passenger revenues grew 23.0% during the quarter, due mainly to a 21.2% expansion in capacity as well as a 1.5% improvement in revenues per ASK. The latter resulted from an increase in load factors from 74.9% to 78.2%, partly offset by a 2.8% decrease in yields during the quarter. During the first quarter, the Company managed its capacity in order to respond to demand growth and market opportunities. As a consequence, capacity increased on all of LAN’s routes, except on segments to the Caribbean, with the largest capacity increases on regional routes. Capacity also increased in all of the Company’s domestic markets, namely Chile, Peru and Argentina. During the quarter, yields decreased, mainly as a result of decreases on certain regional and domestic routes, as well as lower fuel surcharges resulting from lower WTI prices as compared to the first quarter of 2006.

 

LAN’s strategy in the cargo business seeks to rationalize its capacity expansion by focusing on the most profitable routes, as well as optimizing its fleet by replacing less efficient ACMI leases with its own Boeing 767 freighters. The implementation of this strategy during the first quarter of 2007 resulted in limited capacity expansion and revenue growth, while at the same time achieving significant profitability improvements. Margins in the cargo business contributed significantly to LAN’s consolidated margin expansion during this quarter.

 

During the first quarter of 2007, cargo revenues rose 0.1% as capacity rose 2.2% and unit cargo revenues decreased 2.0%. Lower revenues per ATK resulted mainly from a 2.3% decrease in yields, partly offset by an increase in load factors from 64.2% to 64.4%. Slower capacity growth was in line with the abovementioned strategy, as additional capacity on LAN’s passenger and freighter aircraft replaced wet leases and allotment capacity on passenger aircraft of other carriers. Furthermore, cargo traffic during the first quarter was affected by a delay in the initiation of the seed export

 

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season, a seasonal product which was accounted for in early March in 2006 and in late March in 2007, affecting traffic figures and cargo yields.

 

Operating expenses rose 7.3% compared to the first quarter of 2006 as capacity increased 11.2%. This led to a 2.8% decrease in total cost per ATK (which include net financial expenses). Excluding the impact of lower fuel prices, which generated US$5.3 million in lower fuel costs for the quarter, unit costs decreased 2.4%. Excluding fuel costs, unit costs decreased mainly as a result of a change in the commission structure of the cargo business, lower fleet costs resulting from lower aircraft rentals and ACMI leases, and decreased expenses in wages and benefits. These factors were partially offset by higher airport and handling fees and increased passenger services expenses as a result of an increase in the number of passengers transported.

 

The Company recorded a US$19.7 million non-operating loss in the first quarter of 2007 compared to a US$28.2 million gain in the first quarter of 2006. Non-operating income in the first quarter of 2006 was mainly impacted by a US$40.3 million pre-tax one time gain resulting from a change in the Company’s accounting policy for aircraft maintenance. In addition, the non-operating loss in the first quarter of 2007 was mainly the result of higher interest expenses due to higher debt related to fleet financing, as well as a US$4.5 million fuel hedging loss, as compared to a US$2.9 million fuel hedging loss in the first quarter of 2006. LAN has hedged approximately 28% of its fuel requirements for the second and third quarters of 2007 and 29% for the fourth quarter of 2007.

 

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$291 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 competitive interest rates.

 

During the quarter, LAN continued with its retrofit program to reconfigure all its Boeing 767 passenger aircraft with its new Premium Business Class and upgraded Economy Class. As of March 31, 2007, eight of LAN’s 20 Boeing 767 passenger aircraft had this new configuration.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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EBITDAR Calculation (1)

The following is a calculation of LAN’s EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) and EBITDAR (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and aircraft rentals), which the Company considers useful indicators of operating performance.

 

EBITDAR (in US$ millions)

 

 

(1) EBITDA and EBITDAR are non-GAAP measures and should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for net income prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Chile as a measure of operating performance. Furthermore, these calculations may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

 

 

Recent Events

 

New Business Model for Domestic/Regional Operations

In March 2007, LAN initiated the commercial launch of its new business model for short-haul operations on all domestic routes within Chile, with new fare structures that have resulted in discounts of up to 30% on the lowest fares. These flights began on April 9, 2007, and have shown increases in demand of approximately 60% on average for all domestic destinations. In addition, during the quarter the domestic passenger business achieved significant efficiencies resulting from longer flight legs, a larger Airbus fleet and lower distribution costs as a result of the reduction in commissions to agents. LAN’s new business model for short-haul operations is also being implemented on domestic operations in Peru and Argentina, as well as certain regional routes.

 

Capital Increase

On April 5, 2007, LAN’s Extraordinary Shareholders Meeting approved a share issuance of 22,090,910 common shares, amounting to 6.9% of the Company’s current capital on a fully diluted basis.  Furthermore, as approved at the Shareholders Meeting, 10% of this issuance will be designated for the implementation of a stock option plan for Company employees, under conditions to be defined by the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

Fleet Plan  

During the quarter, LAN continued planning the expansion of its fleet. To support the growth of its short-haul operations, the Company completed fleet orders for a total of 15 Airbus A320 family aircraft to be received in 2010-2011, in addition to the 24 already on order. For the development of its long-haul passenger fleet, LAN has orders for 11 Boeing 767 passenger aircraft to be received between 2007 and 2009. The Company also plans to lease four Airbus A340 passenger aircraft in 2007-2008. Furthermore, to enhance the development of its cargo business, LAN will potentially incorporate four Boeing 777 freighter aircraft into its dedicated cargo fleet in 2009-2011. LAN’s complete fleet plan and associated capital expenditures are shown in the table below.

 

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Outlook

 

The actions mentioned under “Recent Events” above are part of a broad set of initiatives aimed at reinforcing LAN’s future performance. The Company’s strong first 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 has embarked on a very significant fleet expansion program, which includes the delivery of a total of 11 passenger aircraft in 2007 and 25 in 2008. In addition to more aircraft, ASK growth will be enhanced as a result of increased aircraft utilization and, to a lesser extent, the densification of its current fleet.

 

Consolidated First Quarter Results

Net income for the first quarter of 2007 amounted to US$86.1 million compared to US$79.7 million for the same period of 2006, increasing 8.1%. Excluding extraordinary items that amounted to US$33.7 million during the first quarter of 2006, net income grew 87.3%. Excluding extraordinary items, net margin for the quarter increased from 6.3% in 2006 to 10.4% in 2007.

Operating income amounted to US$123.5 million in the first quarter of 2007 as compared to US$68.7 million in the first quarter of 2006. Operating margin for the quarter increased from 9.4% to 14.9%.

 

Total operating revenues grew 14.2% compared to the first quarter of 2006, reaching US$831.3 million. This reflected a:

 

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Passenger and cargo revenues accounted for 65% and 31% of total revenues for the quarter, respectively.

 

Passenger revenues grew driven by a 26.5% increase in traffic, partly offset by a 2.8% decrease in yields. Load factors increased from 74.9% to 78.2% as traffic outgrew the 21.2% increase in capacity. Overall, revenues per ASK increased 1.5%. Traffic grew as a result of a 10.6% increase in Chilean domestic traffic and a 29.3% increase in international traffic (including domestic operations in Peru and Argentina). International traffic accounted for 87% of total passenger traffic during the quarter. Yields decreased 2.8% mainly due to lower fuel surcharges resulting from lower WTI prices as compared to the first quarter of 2006, as well as fare decreases on regional and domestic routes related with the new business model for short-haul operations.

 

Cargo revenues remained almost flat due to a 2.5% increase in traffic, offset by a 2.3% yield decrease. Yields decreased primarily due to the delay in the initiation of the seed exports season, a product that seasonally occurs in March and that has relatively high yields, as well as to lower fuel surcharges. Traffic growth slightly exceeded a 2.2% capacity increase. As a consequence, load factors increased from 64.2% to 64.4%. Revenues per ATK decreased 2.0% as compared to the first quarter of 2006.

 

Other revenues increased 6.3%, mainly driven by increased handling and aircraft rental revenues.

 

Total operating expenses increased 7.3% during the quarter while capacity, as measured in system ATKs, increased 11.2%. As a consequence, unit (ATK) costs decreased 2.8%. Lower jet fuel prices during the quarter led to approximately US$5.3 million in lower fuel costs. Excluding fuel, unit costs decreased 2.4%. Changes in operating expenses were driven by:

 

Non-operating results for the first quarter of 2007 amounted to a US$19.7 million loss compared to a US$28.2 million gain in the first quarter of 2006.

 

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About LAN

LAN Airlines is one of the leading airlines in Latin America. “LAN” makes reference to the consolidated entity that includes LAN Airlines, LAN Express, LAN Peru, LAN Ecuador, and LAN Argentina, as well as LAN Cargo and its affiliates. The LAN Alliance serves 15 destinations in Chile, 12 destinations in Peru, ten destinations in Argentina, two destinations in Ecuador, 15 destinations in other Latin American countries and the Caribbean, three destinations in the United States, two destinations in Europe and four destinations in the South Pacific, as well as 52 additional international destinations through its various code-share agreements. Currently, the LAN Alliance operates 68 passenger aircraft and 10 dedicated freighters.

 

LAN Airlines is a member of oneworld (TM), the world’s leading global airline alliance. It has bilateral commercial agreements with oneworld partners American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia and Qantas, as well as with Alaska Airlines, AeroMexico, Mexicana, TAM, Korean Air and JAL. For more information visit www.lan.com or www.oneworldalliance.com.

 

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Note on Forward-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. 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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$87.9 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, to US$48.0 million as of December 31, 2005, and to US$20.4 million as of December 31, 2006,.US$30.7 million as of March 31, 2006, and US$15.5 million as of March 31, 2007

 

 

 

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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

 

 

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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: April 26, 2007

 

 

	Lan Airlines S.A.
	/s/ Alejandro de la Fuente Goic       By: /s/ Alejandro de la Fuente Goic       General Counsel