Air China is again tapping the domestic operating lessor community for the sale and leaseback financing of its Airbus A330 fleet.
The carrier has mandated financing to ICBC Leasing on four new A330-300s under a sale and leaseback agreement with a 12-year term.
The aircraft are part of a seven-aircraft firm order placed in 2008.
The first A330-300, MSN 1333, closed on 11 August. The second aircraft is scheduled for November. The remaining two aircraft are due in February and May 2013.
The transaction follows the closing of another sale and leaseback with Hong Kong-based China Aircraft Leasing Company for a new A330-200 powered by Trent 772C-60EP engines last month. The aircraft, MSN 1330, follows MSN 1304 which was closed in April under a four-aircraft mandate with deliveries scheduled through 2013.
Air China has also mandated China's Bank of Communications Financial Leasing for the financing of two new A330-200s. The first aircraft, MSN 1359, is due next month. The second A330-200 is expected in January 2013.
Source: Commercial Aviation Online
