US lessor eyes new-generation twinjets as successors to its existing medium widebodies
International Lease Finance (ILFC) is evaluating the Airbus A350 and Boeing 7E7 as potential new additions to its leasing portfolio, which could see it become the first lessor confirmed as a customer for one of the new generation twinjets.
The Los Angeles-based lessor is a major customer for the two manufacturers' existing widebodies - it is Airbus's largest A330/A340 client - and confirms it is considering an order for one or both types. "For many of our lessees, these aircraft will be the natural step to replace their older, ageing aircraft," says ILFC chairman and chief executive Steve Udvar-Hazy.
Udvar-Hazy says he was briefed on the latest details of the A350 when in Toulouse last week for the A380 "reveal" ceremony, and that he believes Airbus has developed a worthy rival from the A330 to compete with the 7E7. "There's a new sales team at Boeing," he says, referring to the removal of VP sales Toby Bright in December. "We'll see what they're willing to explore...there's pressure on Boeing to deliver."
Udvar-Hazy declines to be specific on the timing of any potential order for either new aircraft, saying only that the two manufacturers "are going to be doing some intensive campaigning between now and the Paris air show, not just at ILFC but with all potential customers".
Although Airbus has already landed one customer - Air Europa - for the A350, industry sources say that most potential buyers are holding off from committing to the new aircraft until its specification is finalised, which is expected by the end of next month. Boeing is also still refining the 7E7 family's characteristics, having slightly increased the number of seats in typical seating configurations for the baseline 7E7-8 and -9 - to 223 and 259 seats respectively (Flight International, 18-24 January).
n Korry Electronics has been contracted by Boeing to provide the flightdeck control panels for the 7E7. The work package includes the overhead panels and switches. The Seattle, Washington-based company is a division of Esterline Technologies. "We're very excited to be part of the 7E7 programme as the primary integrator for this important system," says Korry president Frank Houston.
MAX KINGSLEY-JONES / TOULOUSE
Source: Flight International
