China Aircraft Leasing Company signs purchase agreement for 36 Airbus A320 Family aircraft

Jan. 17, 2013 - PRLog -- January 14, 2013, Hong Kong - China Aircraft Leasing Company (“CALC” or the “Company”), a fast growing Hong Kong-based aircraft leasing company, is pleased to announce that it has finalized its firm order of 36 current generation A320 Family aircraft at the end of last year.

A purchase agreement was signed with Airbus S.A.S. (“Airbus”) for 28 A320 and 8 A321 aircraft. CALC’s total investment is valued at US$3.2 billion at current list prices.

While CALC has already placed a number of early delivery slots with Chinese airlines, it’s CALC’s objective to place a significant part of the ordered aircraft outside China, with a particular emphasize on the Asia-Pacific region. This will allow airlines throughout the world to access operating lease financing from China - one of the most dynamic financial market in world.

CALC has the option to equip the aircraft with the new fuel-saving “Sharklets” wingtip devices. The Sharklets are designed to enhance the fuel-efficiency and payload-range performance of the A320 Family and result in at least 3.5 percent lower fuel burn over longer sectors. CALC will make an engine selection for the aircraft in the near future.

CALC currently owns a portfolio of 16 modern commercial aircrafts including five A320s, five A321s, four B737-800 and two A330-200. It also has entered into commitments to acquire two more A330-200s and two additional A320 aircraft. In December 2011, CALC also became an inaugural customer of Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) by signing an agreement to purchase 20 C919 aircraft. With these two new aircraft orders, CALC’s fleet will grow to almost 80 aircraft.

As the largest red chip aircraft lessor in China, CALC has been enjoying competitive advantages through its strategic dual-platform structure, which enables the company to provide flexible and competitive leasing solutions to its customers. CALC’s independent structure also makes it possible to obtain a wide range of sustainable source of financing. Over the last two years, CALC has introduced China Everbright Limited (“CEL”) as well as China Aerospace Investment Holdings Limited (“CAIH”) as its strategic investors. These investments helped broaden CALC’s shareholder structure, and enabled the company to better leverage its position as the country’s largest independent aircraft leasing company.

About China Aircraft Leasing Company Limited (“CALC”)

Founded in 2006, China Aircraft Leasing Company Limited (“CALC”) is a professional firm focused on providing aircraft leasing services to airline companies. It established its headquarters in Hong Kong and has offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tianjin, France and Ireland.

Friedmann Pacific Asset Management Company limited (FPAM), as founder, holds 45.43% of equity interest in CALC Group. The other two substantial shareholders are subsidiaries of China Everbright Limited, a listed company in Hong Kong and China Aerospace Investment Holdings Ltd (“CAIH”). With this strong shareholder base, CALC has in-depth knowledge in financial markets and well-established networks of relationships with banks and governments in the greater China region.

CALC currently manages a portfolio of 16 commercial aircraft. With this new commitment, CALC’s fleet will eventually grow to almost 80 aircraft. With a focus on China, CALC is expanding into global emerging markets, providing innovative and dynamic leasing solutions to leasing clients world-wide.

About Airbus S.A.S. (“Airbus”)

Airbus is the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer whose customer focus, commercial know-how, technological leadership and manufacturing efficiency have propelled it to the forefront of the industry.

As of today, more than 8,800 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold to over 365 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world’s best-selling commercial jetliner ever. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft.