ILFC to Lease A320neos to Spirit; Delivers A320 to Myanmar

Published November 1, 2012
Categories: Aircraft Deals

International Lease Finance Corporation said it will lease five new Airbus A320neo aircraft to Spirit Airlines and that it has delivered an Airbus A320-200 aircraft to Myanmar Airways International.

Henri Courpron, chief executive officer of ILFC, commented, “This agreement is a significant milestone in advancing ILFC’s vision to introduce the next stage of aircraft technology to our global customer network. Spirit is the industry’s first airline to commit to an operating lease for the A320neo. ILFC recognized the value and demand for this new aircraft, and gained valuable delivery positions, from which Spirit will benefit.”

“Expanding our fleet under this agreement is further testament to the market’s confidence in Spirit’s business model and the sustainability of our continued growth,” said Spirit’s president and CEO Ben Baldanza. “The A320neo’s advanced technology and fuel efficiency will provide us with incremental cost benefits and solidify our position as a leading environmentally-friendly airline.”

ILFC is the first leasing company to have ordered the Airbus A320neo family and has the largest order position among aircraft leasing companies, with a commitment for 100 A320/321neos and purchase rights for 50 additional such aircraft.

In addition, ILFC said it has delivered an Airbus A320-200 aircraft to Myanmar Airways International (MAI). This A320 is the first commercial jet aircraft of its type to be provided on an operating lease to an airline in Myanmar by a global aircraft leasing company.

“ILFC is very pleased to be the first international leasing company to lease an A320 in Myanmar. We look forward to supporting MAI’s growth and that of the aviation industry in Myanmar,” said ILFC’s head of Asia Pacific, David Nixon. “ILFC believes MAI will succeed on their plan to offer the region a preferred premium carrier. The A320 delivered to MAI will modernize and expand MAI’s current A320 fleet and offer increased takeoff weight, greater range and improved fuel economy.”

Si Thu, managing director and chief executive officer of Myanmar Airways International, commented, “ILFC is one of the best brands in aviation, providing advanced total aircraft fleet solutions to its global partners. ILFC is the right partner for MAI, and the timing of this first ILFC A320 aircraft delivery to our airline will help us expand our fleet and extend our routes in this new era in Myanmar.”