LAN Airlines (Chile) (Santiago) and TAM Airlines (TAM Linhas Aereas) (Sao Paulo) (LATAM Airlines Group) each took delivery of their first Airbus A320s equipped with Sharklets. Powered by CFM, the LAN and TAM aircraft were delivered this week and will begin operating domestic routes within Chile and Brazil. The two airlines combined have ordered 380 aircraft and have more than 240 aircraft in operation. Their joint Airbus backlog totals nearly 180 aircraft.

Sharklets are made from light-weight composites and are 2.4 meters tall. They are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft and allow Airbus’ airline customers to reduce fuel burn up to four percent over longer sectors and reduce approximately 1,000 tons of CO2 emissions per aircraft per year. Sharklets offer operators the flexibility of either adding an additional 100 nautical miles range or increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms.

Top Copyright Photo: Airbus. A320-214 D-AXAW became CC-BFK (msn 5548) and was handed over to LAN on April 18 followed by CC-BFL (msn 5554) on the following day.

Meanwhile TAM received Airbus A320-214 PR-MYY (msn 5591) on April 23.

LAN Airlines: