Press Release

SALE Leases Three New 737-800s to Kenya Airways

27 Sep 2005

Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE) has signed an agreement with Kenya Airways for the lease of three new Boeing 737-800s. The aircraft are the first of 20 Next Generation 737s recently ordered by SALE from Boeing. The deal marks the first time that SALE has worked with Kenya Airways, which is one of Africa's leading international carriers.

The aircraft will be delivered new in the fourth quarter of 2006 and will be leased to the carrier for eight years each. They will join an existing fleet of four Next Generation 737s at the airline. The aircraft will be powered by the latest CFM56-7B engines from CFM International and will be fitted with fuel-saving winglets.

Robert Martin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SALE, said that the swift placement of the newly-ordered aircraft with Kenya Airways reflected the strong demand for new single aisle aircraft such as the Next Generation 737 series.

"Since finalising our recent order with Boeing we have experienced strong interest in the aircraft from airlines all over the world," he said. "We are extremely happy to be able to welcome Kenya Airways as our first customer for these aircraft and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with the airline."

Titus Naikuni, Group Managing Director & CEO of Kenya Airways, said that the new aircraft will replace the current 737-200 on the airline’s fleet and will bring in an improved product amongst other newly acquired aircraft.

“The 737-800 is a new generation aircraft with state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment, superior galleys and a carrying capacity of 148 passengers, compared with the 101 passengers for 737-200s being replaced. The 737-800 superior range capability will enable the aircraft to operate full load direct flights out of Nairobi to destinations as far away as Accra” said Mr Naikuni.

SALE is the leading Asia-based aircraft leasing company, with 65 modern aircraft currently flying with 30 airlines worldwide. In total, the company has firm orders with Boeing for 20 Next Generation 737s, for delivery between the fourth quarter of 2006 and end of 2008. SALE also has firm orders with Airbus for eight A320 family aircraft, for delivery between November this year and May 2006.

Publicly-listed Kenya Airways is one of Africa's leading carriers, operating domestic, regional and international services from its Nairobi hub. The carrier's current fleet totals 21 aircraft, including the 737, 767 and 777 series.

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For further information, please contact:
Sean LEE
Tel: +65 6325 9557
Mobile: +65 9619 6549
[email protected]