Press release from Business Wire
Spirit and ILFC Enter into First Ever A320neo Lease
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Spirit and ILFC Enter into First Ever A320neo Lease11:25 EDT Wednesday, October 31, 2012
LOS ANGELES (Business Wire) -- International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), a wholly owned
subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG), announced
today that it will lease five new Airbus A320neo aircraft to Spirit
Airlines. ILFC is the leasing industry's launch customer with the
largest order book for the Airbus New Engine Option (NEO) family.
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.”
The A320 incorporates greater fuel-efficiency and eco-friendly
technology, providing reductions in engine noise and emissions. Spirit
has not made a decision on the selection of engine types.
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. Officially launched in December of
2010, the new generation of the A320neo family has been recognized as
the fastest ever selling commercial aircraft.
About Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines (NASDAQ: SAVE) empowers customers to save money on air
travel by offering ultra low base fares with a range of optional
services for a fee, allowing customers the freedom to choose only the
extras they value. This innovative approach grows the traveling market
and stimulates new economic activity while creating new jobs. Spirit's
modern fleet, configuration and other innovations enable Spirit to burn
less fuel per seat than competitors, making Spirit one of the most
environmentally-friendly US carriers. Spirit's all-Airbus fleet
currently operates more than 200 daily flights to over 50 destinations
within the U.S., Latin America and Caribbean. www.spirit.com
About ILFC
ILFC is the world's largest independent aircraft lessor measured by
number of owned aircraft. ILFC's portfolio consists of over 1,000 owned
or managed aircraft, as well as commitments to purchase 239 new
high-demand, fuel-efficient aircraft and rights to purchase an
additional 50 of such aircraft. www.ilfc.com
About AIG
American International Group, Inc. (AIG) is a leading international
insurance organization serving customers in more than 130 countries. AIG
companies serve commercial, institutional, and individual customers
through one of the most extensive worldwide property-casualty networks
of any insurer. In addition, AIG companies are leading providers of life
insurance and retirement services in the United States. AIG common stock
is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Tokyo Stock Exchange. www.aig.com
International Lease Finance CorporationPaul Thibeau,
+1-310-788-1999pthibeau@ilfc.com
