LAN: Bright Outlook

BY CHRONICLE STAFF  

Last week, LAN Airlines announced it expected to reach 2007 revenues of $3.6 billion. That follows an already successful 2006, when it boosted revenues by 18.6 percent to $3.0 billion.

However, LAN is not only seeing strong revenue growth, but even stronger profitability. Despite posting 15.6 percent higher expenses last year, it managed to boost net income by 64.6 percent to $241.3 million.

The reason? A combination of right strategy, solid financials, efficient management and successful cargo operations, says Bob Booth, chairman of U.S.-based consultancy AvGroup. "It has used cargo as a major component...