CHILE-based LAN Airlines, one of Latin America’s leading passenger and cargo airlines, has placed an order 30 Airbus Family A320 aircraft.

This latest order raises LAN’s total number of firm orders for Airbus aircraft to more than 100.

Joining LAN’s existing fleet of A318, A319, A320, and A340-300s, the new A320 Family aircraft will be operated from Latin American hubs to cover different routes in the region.

LAN currently serves more than 65 destinations around the world, including North America, Europe and the South Pacific.

Ignacio Cueto, LAN Airlines’ chief operating officer, said: “This investment ensures the company’s future growth and reaffirms LAN’s commitment to the development of commercial aviation in Latin America, as well as to the economic growth and social development of countries in the region.”

“These aircraft are operated by the world’s best airlines and feature the latest technology, creating a substantial change in terms of service, quality and comfort and allowing LAN to offer the best travel experience to our passengers.”

John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer customers, said: “LAN has been a valued Airbus customer since 1998.

“This repeat order for the eco-efficient A320 Family is a strong vote of confidence and we are convinced that our benchmark aircraft will further advance LAN’s solid position in the South American market.

“This milestone order consolidates our partnership well into the future.”

The A320 Family offers the lowest fuel burn, emissions and noise in its class.

Wings for the aircraft are constructed at the Broughton Airbus plant near Chester and then transported to sister factories in Europe for assembly on the full range of Airbus aircraft.

Airbus said it invests more than 100m euros per year in research and development to maintain the Family as the most advanced and fuel-efficient in the single-aisle market.

The company said the eco-efficient A320 Family is the preferred choice with traditional airlines as well as with the fast-growing low-cost carrier market.

With more than 6,000 aircraft ordered and more than 4,000 delivered to in excess of 300 customers and operators, the A318, A319, A320 and A321s are world bestsellers.