The 11 aircraft from the Airbus A320 narrow-body family ordered by Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE) and announced in yesterday's edition of Flight Daily News, will be powered by International Aero Engines' (IAE) V2500 engines. This brings SALE's V2500 portfolio up to more than 100 engines.
The 22 engines - worth $130-million - will power eight A320s and three A319s or A321s depending on customer preference. The first aircraft will be delivered in September 2002.Speaking at the show yesterday, SALE managing director Robert Martin says: "Our decision to power the Airbus order with V2500s reflects our confidence in the engine's efficiency and reliability as well as the success we have had in marketing our present fleet of V2500-powered aircraft." Established in 1993, SALE has become one of the world's largest leasing companies. Its latest purchase brings its current total number of Airbus aircraft on firm order to 50.Both major new V2500 operators entering service so far this year have done so with SALE aircraft. JetBlue Airways and GB Airways entered service with V2500-powered A320 aircraft in February and May respectively while British Mediterranean also leased its first V2500-A5 powered aircraft earlier this year having previously been a V2500-A1 operator.
Source: Flight Daily News
