SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 6-K REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the month of March 2005 (Commission File No. 1-14728) Lan Airlines S.A. (Translation of registrant's name in English) Avenida Americo Vespucio Sur 901 Renca, Santiago, Chile (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.) Form 20-F X Form 40-F --- --- (Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.) Yes No X --- --- [Lan Airlines Letterhead] MATERIAL FACT Santiago, March 11, 2005 Mr. Alejandro Ferreiro Y. Superintendent of Securities and Insurance Present - ------- To whom it may concern: In compliance with Article 9 and the second paragraph of Article 10 of Law 18,045, I inform you of the material fact that Lan Airlines S.A. is currently in negotiations with the Argentine government and other local airline operators regarding the company's entrance into the passenger and cargo air transport business in Argentina, which could be carried out through the acquisition of an Argentinean airline that is currently without relevant operations. The above referenced acquisition would be made together with local investors and even though the size of the potential investment would not be material, it has been decided to make this information public given the effect it could have on the market. Sincerely, /s/ Alejandro de la Fuente - -------------------------- Alejandro de la Fuente Vice President of Finance Lan Airlines S.A. cc. Bolsa de Comercio de Santiago Bolsa de Comercio de Valparaiso Bolsa Electronica SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Date: March 11, 2005 Lan Airlines S.A. /s/ Alejandro de la Fuente Goic ------------------------------- By: Alejandro de la Fuente Goic Chief Financial Officer