LAN successfully completes modifications to Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet slated to resume operations in the coming days

LAN Airlines announces that today it successfully completed a test flight of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, authorized by the Chilean Aeronautical Authority, after implementing the modifications proposed by Boeing to the battery system of the aircraft that were approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The nearly two hour test flight went smoothly and without incident over Santiago, Chile according to LAN Airlines CEO Ignacio Cueto: “The operation of the aircraft was completely normal.  “We have complied with all of the required modifications of the Chilean Aeronautical Authority (DGAC) and the FAA, and have implemented the modifications alongside Boeing technicians.  This aircraft is one of the most modern in the world, and we are confident that it will significantly improve the flying experience of passengers that fly with LAN”.

LAN worked with 30 Boeing technicians to implement the modifications to the battery system. The DGCA, who has worked with LAN for over three years on the launch of this new aircraft, supervised the process. It is important to highlight that since LAN began flying the 787 aircraft, the company has not experienced any incidents with the battery system, operating on routes to Buenos Aires, Lima and Los Angeles form Santiago. After completing a series of test flights with their pilots, LAN expects to resume 787 operations in the coming days.

This decision is in line with what has been done by several international carriers that have already resumed commercial operations of their 787 fleet.