GECAS orders 60 Airbus A320neo

Airbus' first order at the Paris air show Monday came from aircraft lessor GE Capital Aviation Services, or GECAS, which signed a firm order for 60 A320neo aircraft, valuing the deal at $5.47 billion.

The commercial leasing and financing arm of General Electric (GE) ordered the aircraft with CFM's LEAP-X engine for all 60 aircraft, bringing the total number of aircraft in the A320 family ordered by GECAS so far to 390.

The order for the CFM Leap-X engine shouldn't come as a surprise. GE is a part of the consortium behind CFM International, together with Snecma--part of the SAFRAN Group (SAF.FR). The other engine offered is the PW1100G PurePower from Pratt & Whitney.

"The A320neo family will bring fuel savings to customers while offering the same levels of in-service reliability they expect," said GECAS President and Chief Executive Norman C. T. Liu. "We have a solid track record of placing A320s with customers around the globe."

Airbus Chief Operating Officer John Leahy said the order further demonstrated the "undisputable" success of the A320neo family.

"This new order underlines its attractiveness in particular to leasing companies, who are expanding their portfolios with the world's most modern, fuel efficient single-aisle aircraft."

The A320neo will be available from 2015, offering more fuel efficient engines and large wing tip devices called "Sharklets" that will deliver 15% of fuel savings.

The catalogue price for the A320neo is about $91.2 million, however customers often negotiate lower prices.

       Selman TENGÜZ

   Wednesday, May 18, 2011

       Talip BÖLÜKBAŞI

   Thursday, May 19, 2011