Mike Martin
Airbus Industrie announced a $1-billion A320 family order from Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE), providing more evidence that the Asia-Pacific region is pulling out of its economic crisis.
The order is for 23 aircraft, 20 A320s and three A321s, with deliveries from 2001 and 2008. Engine selection will be made at a later date.
Airbus chief executive Noel Forgeard says: "This is a specially important because this commitment coming from Asia shows some growth in that region."
Improving
Robert Martin, managing director of SALE, says: "The situation in Asia is improving considerably in a number of Asian economies. Korean load factors are improving and there is some improvement in Thailand."
He adds that the region was looking with interest to the final outcome of the recent Indonesian elections as a prelude to economic improvements there.
Martin adds that the decision to acquire more Airbus aircraft was based on the strength of demand from airlines on a global basis.
SALE's A320 commitments already stand at 14, with eight of the aircraft already delivered to America West Airlines, Iberia, Qatar Airways and TransAer and options on the others already taken up.
"Our experience with the A320 family of aircraft to date has been excellent and we see it as a core product in our portfolio for the next decade. This order will further consolidate SALE's position as the premier Asian-based lessor servicing a global client base as we enter the new millennium."
Source: Flight Daily News
