Acquisition And Lease Announced By Jetscape

Jetscape announces the acquisition of three (3) new Embraer E175 aircraft delivered on lease to Alitalia, Rome, Italy in June, 2012. Each aircraft has been leased to Alitalia for twelve-years and will be operated by Alitalia’s regional subsidiary Alitalia CityLiner.

Financing was provided to Jetscape by the Brazilian Export Credit Bank, BNDES, under Jetscape’s existing debt facility with them.

”Following its re-launch in 2009, we have been impressed with Alitalia’s resolve to revitalize its brand and to restore the company’s long-term sustainability as Italy’s flag carrier” says John Evans, Jetscape’s Chairman and CEO. “Despite ongoing economic challenges in Italy and throughout Europe, Alitalia’s revival is in line with its plan, including the replacement of its fleet with new aircraft. We are pleased to participate in Alitalia’s fleet renewal, which by the end of 2013 will give it among the youngest commercial aircraft fleets in Europe. We appreciate Alitalia’s trust, Embraer’s confidence and BNDES’s support in helping to successfully complete this transaction.”    

Established in 1945, Alitalia is the flag carrier of Italy. The airline is 75% owned by Compagnia Aerea Italiana (“CAI”) the group of investors who initiated the restructuring efforts of Alitalia in 2009 and 25% is owned by the Air France-KLM group. Alitalia currently operates 146 jet and turboprop aircraft.

FMI: www.alitalia.com/US_EN