RBS Aviation Capital has placed its first-ever speculative orders for new aircraft as it seeks to become a bigger player in the operating lease sector. Industry sources say the Royal Bank of Scotland subsidiary has placed firm orders with Boeing for 737-800s and is believed to have also ordered new Airbus A320-family aircraft. RBS, which has grown rapidly in recent years through finance leasing and purchase and lease-back deals, has for some time been considering orders for new A320s and 737s to become more of a global player in the operating lease market.
The sources say it recently firmed up orders for 737-800s – the number is believed to be 20 – and is thought to have placed orders for a similar or the same number of A320-family aircraft. While it is not known when the orders were placed, Boeing on 14 June booked an order from an unidentified customer for 20 737-800s, while Airbus on 30 June booked an order from an unidentified customer for five A319s and 15 A320s.
Dublin-headquartered RBS Aviation Capital declines to comment, but on its website it recently began advertising new-build A320s and 737-800s for operating lease, with availability between 2006 and 2008.
RBS Aviation Capital was established in 2001, originally as Lombard Aviation Capital, when the Royal Bank of Scotland acquired Irish aircraft lessor and arranger IAMG.
Source: Flight International
