The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the world’s most advanced passenger airplane, will make its Chilean debut as the centerpiece at the FIDAE 2012 International Air and Space Fair in Santiago, Chile, March 27-30. Boeing also plans to display the advanced capabilities of its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter with a cockpit demonstrator at the show.

“We are pleased to bring the 787 Dreamliner to FIDAE for its Chilean debut and showcase the many features that make this airplane truly a game-changer for the industry,” said Van Rex Gallard, Sales vice president for Latin America, Africa, & Caribbean, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We have a great customer in LAN, one of the leading airlines in Latin America and the first Latin American customer to take delivery of the 787.”

The 787 will land in Santiago for the first time on Monday, March 26 and be on static display March 27-30. LAN is Boeing’s largest 787 customer in Latin America, with 26 Dreamliners on order directly from Boeing.

The Boeing exhibit will feature an array of defense products in addition to the Super Hornet cockpit demonstrator, including the CH-47 heavy-lift and AH-6i attack helicopters, the ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicle, cybersecurity, and the KC-135 tanker now in service with the Chilean Air Force. Also on display at the booth will be a model of the new 737 MAX, the new-engine variant of the world’s best-selling airplane, and information on the Boeing Edge – Boeing’s industry-leading services offerings.

“FIDAE is the region’s foremost air show and our participation is critical, given Chile and other neighboring countries’ strategic importance to The Boeing Company. Our focus at this show is on establishing relationships with potential local partners, building awareness and ensuring customer satisfaction with Boeing products and services,” said Joe McAndrew, International Business Development vice president for Europe, Israel and the Americas, Boeing Defense, Space & Security.

Boeing will hold a series of media briefings during the show, as listed below. Reporters should contact one of the contacts below for more information and to confirm their attendance.