Lessor AWAS is in the market taking bids on a 26-aircraft portfolio that has an estimated value of around $720 million, according to IBA Group's 2008 Value Book.
Flight's Commercial Aviation Online says that trading sources indicate the portfolio should sell in the range of $575 million to $625 million. However, sources indicate AWAS is seeking bids on individual aircraft as opposed to the whole portfolio.
Regular aircraft sales are a normal part of portfolio management that allow lessors to free up aircraft and lessee concentrations.
The 26-aircraft fleet is a mixed bag comprising older narrowbody models such as Boeing 737 Classics and MD-83s, as well as 737 Next Generation aircraft, A320 family aircraft. Also included are 767-300ERs, a 747-400, and A330s.
A trader says the MD-83s and 737 Classics were included because "it is the end of the road for these types" while the 737-700s and -800s A320s were added because they "will attract strong returns".
Source: Flight International
