Happy New Year, everyone. Here’s a toast to a happy, healthy and productive new year.

Last year I was hard at work on a book (about things museums have but don’t show you) and had to decline numerous opportunities to fly on the 787 Dreamliner. I had to be content with just a few on-the-ground tours, but on Wednesday I’m pleased and excited to be booked as a guest on the LAN Airlines’ first fight of a 787 Dreamliner from Los Angeles to Santiago, Chile.

The have been many 787 “firsts” and LAN, which was the first airline in the Americas to receive a 787, now boasts that it is the first carrier to offer international service on the 787 Dreamliner at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The LAN 787 will operate nonstop service from Los Angeles to Santiago, Chile three days per week on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with daily flights to Lima, Peru with continuing service to Santiago beginning in February.

My bags – and my camera – are packed, so check back for more 787, LAX and Santiago news over the next few days.

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