LAN Airlines recently welcomed its first Boeing 787-9 aircraft —and the first in Latin America — into its fleet. The Boeing 787-9 accommodates 27 percent more passengers and 23 percent more cargo than the 787-8. LAN’s cabin configuration comprises 30 premium business-class seats and 283 economy-class seats.

“We are very happy to receive this next generation of aircraft into our fleet, as they strengthen our plan to continue expanding our destination network and improving the passenger experience,” said Ignacio Cueto, CEO, LAN. “The arrival of the Boeing 787-9 to LAN makes us the only carrier in Latin America to operate both 787 models. It also strengthens our in-flight travel experience, transporting 313 passengers over long distances with the same environmental efficiency.”

LAN’s new aircraft began commercial service in April 2015, flying from Santiago, Chile (SCL) to Lima, Peru (LIM) with continuing service to Los Angeles (LAX). The carrier will gradually expand its 787-9-serviced routes over the next year to include flights from Santiago to New York (JFK), Easter Island (IPC), Madrid (MAD), Frankfurt (FRA), Auckland (AKL) and Sydney (SYD). LAN is will receive six Boeing 787-9 aircraft in 2015.