Andrew Doyle/MUNICH
US lessor Boullioun Aviation Services may be taken over by Dutch counterpart debis AirFinance after being put up for sale by parent Deutsche Bank.
Industry sources confirm the German bank is looking to divest Boullioun, the world's third largest aircraft lessor, and that bidders have been shortlisted to just two - Amsterdam Schiphol-based DaimlerChrysler subsidiary debis, and an unnamed major European insurance company. The UK's Abbey National banking group has also been linked to a bid.
Washington state-based Boullioun was bought by Deutsche Bank from Japan's Sumitomo Trust & Banking in 1998 for $120 million. An acquisition by debis, which would be subject to due diligence, would fit the latter's declared expansion plans to become a "major player" in the market. Debis also has stated an aim to secure a large Boeing 737 portfolio. Boullioun controls 45 of the type, with another 30 on order.
Boullioun has 72 aircraft, with 95 on order, including those owned by Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise - a joint venture with Singapore Airlines, in which Boullioun has a 35.5%stake. The fleet includes 12 Airbus narrowbodies, with 57 on order, and the Boeings: the 737s, a 747, a 757, 767s and 777s.
Debis AirFinance manages 101 aircraft, owning all but three. They are 22 A320-family types, nine A330s, two A340s, two A300s, four 737s and 62 Fokker types. Firm orders are held for 30 A320s.
Source: Flight International
