Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE) is set to follow its recent order for 11 more Airbus A320 family aircraft with a new widebody order, but the manufacturer has not yet been selected.
The latest narrowbody order includes eight A320s and three A319s, taking its orders for the Airbus twinjet to 50 aircraft, of which 16 have been delivered to date. The additional aircraft are due for delivery from September 2002.
SALE has 16 narrowbodies in its fleet including 12 A320s (several A320s have been sold on after delivery), one A321, two 737-300s and a 737-400. It is now turning its attention to boosting its widebody portfolio, which currently includes three Airbus A310-200s and eight Boeings - two 767-300ERs, three 777-200ERs, two 777-300s, and a 747-400 freighter.
The leasing company also has eight Rolls-Royce Trent 800-powered 777s on outstanding order. "We have 10 Boeing 777 options which we will look at this year, then we will decide between these and a competitor - most likely the Airbus A330 family," says managing director Robert Martin.
SALE has again selected the International Aero Engines (IAE)V2500 to power its new A320s, with the leasing company ordering 22 engines valued at $130 million. The deal brings the leasing company's total V2500 portfolio to over 100 engines.
According to Martin, SALE has opted for IAE engines partly in response to the commitment of a major rival lessor - GE Capital Aviation Services - to the competing CFM56 powerplant (produced by GE/Snecma joint venture CFM International). "If you recognise there is one major leasing company which is solidly in the CFM camp, then it makes sense to move into the other camp," says Martin.
Source: Flight International
