Deutsche Operating Leasing (DOL) expects to order a mix of 18 Airbus A320 family aircraft and Boeing Next Generation 737s early next year and to bolster its fledgling regional jet portfolio with a series of airline sale and lease-back deals.
The company, set up by Germany's BfG Bank in June and managed by its Deutsche Structured Finance (DSF)subsidiary, is also studying the possible acquisition of larger types, such as the A330-200 and 767-300ER.
DOL is currently raising equity from private investors and DSF says that in the medium term it "intends to manage a diversified portfolio of 30-50 aircraft". DOL has already bought five 50-seat Bombardier Canadair Regional Jets from Air Littoral and leased them back to the French carrier.
The planned acquisition of Airbus and Boeing narrowbodies will help DOL achieve its goal of "positioning itself among the established international operating leasing companies", says DSF. The aircraft are to be delivered between 2002 and 2007.
DOL plans to buy more in-service regional jets next year.
Source: Flight International
