Bank of China buys SALE
Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE) has been sold to a Bank of China (BAC) subsidiary for $965 million. SALE, which is partly owned by Singapore Airlines, has a portfolio of 64 Airbus and Boeing narrowbody aircraft with another 28 on order. BAC says the acquisition will allow it to expand into aircraft leasing "and potentially lead to other cross-selling opportunities with airline companies".
Gol delays Mexico plan
Ending months of uncertainty, Gol president Constantino de Oliveira Jr confirms it has put on hold plans for a low-cost domestic carrier in Mexico. Gol still expects to launch flights in 2007 to Mexico from Brazil and Peru.
IATA begins e-freight trials
IATA has selected five carriers to trial in 2007 its e-freight initiatives on key cargo routes. IATA, which aims to eliminate the need to transport paper by 2010, says freight forwarders and local customs administrations will join Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, KLM, Singapore Airlines and British Airways in testing standards, processes and technical solutions in a year-long trial.
Source: Airline Business
