GECAS Wins Order As Carrier Works Past A380 Delays

Dubai-based carrier Emirates refuses to let delayed deliveries of the Airbus A380 interfere with its plans to expand service on long-haul routes... and that's proving to be very good news to aircraft lessors, and Boeing. This week, Emirates signed an agreement with GE Commercial Aviation Service (GECAS) to lease five more Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Sources close to the deal tell ANN the five aircraft are scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2008. All will boast a three-class configuration, mini-suites in First Class, lie-flat seats in Business, crew rest areas... and the very latest in in-flight entertainment.

"Our fleet is a key factor in our organic growth strategy and these new leased aircraft will minimize the impact of any shortfalls in our fleet projections," said Emirates CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. "It’s no secret that Emirates has mapped an ambitious growth plan for the next ten years, which can be gauged by our intention to launch services to Venice, Houston, Sao Paolo and Newcastle this year."

Emirates currently flies 23 Boeing 777-300ERs in its mixed fleet of 101 Boeing and Airbus planes. The carrier has firm orders for 36 more 777s, including the new lease order. By 2013, Emirates’ fleet will feature 59 of the 777-300ERs; 19 of those will be leased from GECAS.

At full passenger and cargo capacity, the long-legged 777-300ER can fly up to 5,300 nautical miles (6,100 miles), or non-stop from Dubai to New York.

"We are delighted to partner once again with Emirates, one of the world’s leading airlines," said Henry Hubschman, President and CEO of GECAS. "We already share a close business relationship with Emirates, and this lease agreement further enhances our partnership. We look forward once again to fulfilling their expectations."

FMI: www.gecas.com, www.emirates.com, www.boeing.com