Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE) is to order up to 40 Boeing 737s in its first narrowbody deal with the US manufacturer as it seeks to expand its primary focus beyond the Airbus A320. SALE's 737 deal – 20 firm orders plus 20 purchase rights – will be its first major new-aircraft commitment since ordering 20 A320s in 1999, although it later firmed up nine A320 options. Deliveries of the 737s are due between the fourth quarter of 2006 and the end of 2009. SALE has selected the 737-800 as "baseline aircraft", but has the right to take the smaller 737-700 or proposed higher-capacity 737-900X.
Source: Flight International
