Dutch Leasing Company Purchases 10 More Widebodies

Airbus has seen a resurgence of interest this year in its A330 widebody twinjet... and on Monday, the European planemaker announced Dutch aircraft leasing company AerCap has signed a firm contract for 10 more A330-200 airliners, building on the carrier's initial 2006 order for 20 A330-200s.

Headquartered in The Netherlands, AerCap is a global aircraft and engine leasing, trading, and parts sales company. AerCap says its new A330 orders show the airliner remains popular with a variety of airlines.

"Since AerCap ordered 20 new Airbus aircraft in December last year, we have already lined up customers for 13 out of the 20 aircraft, in only four months. The order for an additional 10 aircraft will help us to further expand our portfolio in the attractive market for modern, smaller widebody aircraft, and to meet the demands of our global customer base, " commented Klaus Heinemann, Chief Executive Officer of AerCap.

AerCap first ordered 32 Airbus A320 Family aircraft in 1999. This was followed by a large follow-up order for 70 A320 Family aircraft in December 2005, through an AerCap joint venture with LoadAir. Then Aercap ordered 20 A330-200s in December 2006.

"I am extremely pleased that AerCap is finding the A330-200 to be truly competitive in the current market and this additional order provides a clear endorsement of the A330-200 as the right aircraft at the right time. We are very proud that AerCap reinforces its confidence in the A330 with this incremental order," said Airbus Chief Operating Officer John Leahy.

FMI: www.aercap.com, www.airbus.com