LanChile has finalised its long-expected order for up to 14 Airbus A340-300s as the Chilean flag carrier prepares to update its long-haul fleet. The deal, revealed exclusively by Flight International in June, is worth almost $2 billion and is understood to include the option to upgrade to larger A340-600s (Flight International, 30 June-6 July).
The order includes seven firm orders for the CFM International CFM56-powered A340-300, plus options for seven more, with deliveries set to begin at the end of next year. The 270-seaters will supplement and eventually replace the airline's long-haul fleet of 13 Boeing 767-300ERs, and will be operated on services to Europe, the USA and the South Pacific.
The airline's seven options are believed to be flexible and can be switched at 24 months' notice to the larger (380-seat) Rolls-Royce Trent 500-powered A340-600. The deal is understood to include a further seven "rolling options", taking the total order to 21 aircraft.
Last year Aerolineas Argentinas placed a major A340 order, while LanChile ordered 20 A319/A320s as part of a massive joint A320 family deal with TACA of El Salvador and TAM Brazil.
Source: Flight International
