LAN Airlines of Chile has emerged as the latest potential launch operator for the Pratt & Whitney PW6000 version of the Airbus A318 after ordering a further 25 Airbus narrowbodies.
The carrier will take the aircraft as a mix of A318s and larger A319s, and is expected to receive about 20 of the smaller model. Deliveries are due to start in the third quarter of 2006.
LAN currently operates 14 Airbus A320-200s and has taken delivery of five A319-100s from a previous 14-aircraft order, all powered by International Aero Engines V2500s.
The A318 can be powered by the PW6000 or CFM International CFM56. Spanish flag-carrier Iberia last week selected the CFM56 for its recently ordered A318s.
Source: Flight International
