Singapore leasing company issues requests for proposals for single-aisle twinjets to Airbus, Boeing and Embraer
Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE) is planning its first major aircraft order since 1999 and is evaluating proposals from Airbus, Boeing and Embraer.
The Singapore-based lessor confirms that requests for proposals were issued recently to the three manufacturers, seeking single-aisle aircraft with more than 100 seats. Under consideration are the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families, as well as the Embraer 190 regional jet.
The lessor wants deliveries between 2006 and 2009, and order decisions are expected in the first half of 2005. It currently has 14 A320s remaining for delivery from earlier deals, with the last due to be handed over in May 2006.
SALE - 35.5% owned by Singapore Airlines, 35.5% by WestLB and 29% by two Singapore government investment arms - last placed a major new aircraft order in 1999, signing for 20 A320s from Airbus, although it later firmed up nine A320 options. It says it has yet to decide on the number of aircraft it will order, although based on current plans, 30-50 aircraft could be added between 2006 and 2009 - through direct orders with manufacturers and purchase and lease-back deals with airlines.
Chief executive Robert Martin said in July that with the leasing market picking up, the company was "beginning to focus on where we want to invest our capital going forwards". SALE's portfolio currently comprises 60 widebody and narrowbody aircraft from Airbus and Boeing.
NICHOLAS IONIDES / SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
