US leasing giant ILFC has added as many as 160 aircraft to its portfolio with the announcement of major orders for Airbus and Boeing narrowbodies.
The company wants up to 100 Boeing Next Generation 737s, bringing the number of Boeing aircraft ordered by the leasing company over the past 26 years to 599. The deal, made up of 50 firm and 50 "uncommitted" firm orders, covers unspecified numbers of 737-700, 800 and 900s, and is one of the largest single orders placed for the aircraft.
The commitment also brings to 390 the total of "Classic" and Next Generation 737s ordered by ILFC. "First deliveries in this new series starts early in 2001," says ILFC president and chief executive Steve Udvar-Hazy. "Deliveries will continue until 2007 if all options are confirmed," says Udvar-Hazy, who adds that the twinjet "forms the cornerstone of our portfolio".
At least two of the initial aircraft have already been placed with Minnesota-based Sun Country Airlines. ILFC has also placed 737-800s with Polynesian and BWIA.
The deal with Airbus is effectively the confirmation of an order that has been on the European consortium's books for some time, although unannounced.
The most notable aspect of the deal is a firm order for 30 of the new 100-seat A318s. The order also includes 16 A319s, four A320s and 10 A321s, of which one A319 and two A320s have been announced. ILFC is already Airbus' largest customer. Delivery of the PW6000-powered A318s starts in 2002. No engine choice for the remainder of the order has been made.
Source: Flight International
