Willis Lease Finance Corp. has become the second leasing company in three months to commit for the Superjet 100 programme. The engine lessor has signed an agreement with SuperJet International to purchase six Superjet 100 aircraft and options for four additional aircraft.
"The Sukhoi Superjet represents a significant advancement in the regional jet market, and we believe it fills a need for efficient and affordable transportation to smaller regional centers," comments Willis Lease's President and CEO Charles F. Willis.
"In addition to the strong potential we see for developing new regional markets throughout the world, we believe the transaction is a strategic one for us," Willis continued.
"The international consortium of companies involved in the launch of this aircraft, include Powerjet which is comprised of NPO Saturn - the major Russian engine manufacturer - and Snecma, the French worldwide leader of engines for the SSJ 100 as well as the CFMI brand. These engines make up a significant portion of our current portfolio," he explains.
"In addition, the premier Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi and the major Italian aerospace leader Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica Company, will provide an entry into these strategic new markets.
"By becoming the first US-based company to join this prestigious alliance, we can benefit from attractive financing alternatives and take a leading role in introducing this innovative aircraft to our global customer base," Willis adds.
At this year's Farnborough air show, Pearl Aircraft Corp., a new company with executives formerly associated with lessor BCI Aircraft Leasing, signed a memorandum of understanding for 30 aircraft plus 15 options.
Source: Commercial Aviation Online
