Press Release

SALE Leases A319 Executive to Blue Moon Aviation

18 Jun 2003

Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE) has signed an agreement with Minneapolis-based Blue Moon Aviation, LLC for the long-term lease of one Airbus A319 in Executive configuration. Featuring a luxurious 56-seat layout, the aircraft will be used for VIP charter operations, with customers including professional and collegiate sports teams, corporations, private individuals and the entertainment industry.

The aircraft will be delivered by SALE in July and will then undergo VIP cabin reconfiguration at EADS subsidiary Sogerma Services in France before entering service with Blue Moon in September. Sogerma Services will undertake all maintenance on the aircraft, which will be flown by crews from an existing airline Airbus operator in the US. Blue Moon will be the first North American company to offer A319 charters in an Executive layout.

Speaking at the Paris Air Show, Richard Page, Blue Moon President and CEO, said that the A319 would enable the company to differentiate itself from operators of other large private aircraft in the US.

“With a wider cabin and longer range flying capability, the A319 will offer our passengers the highest levels of comfort on both domestic and international flights,” he said. “At the same time, Blue Moon will benefit significantly from the aircraft’s low operating costs and proven record for on-time reliability.”

Robert Martin, Managing Director of SALE, said that the news represented an exciting development of the Singapore-based lessor’s customer base.

“The private charter market is becoming an increasingly attractive option for large corporations and groups such as top league sports organisations,” he said. “We are pleased to have been part of the placement of the first A319 in Executive layout in the US and look forward to playing a role in the future success of Blue Moon.”

SALE has swiftly grown to become one of the world’s leading leasing companies, with a portfolio currently comprising 50 modern aircraft, of which 44 are owned and six managed. Offering true global coverage, SALE has offices in Singapore, London, Washington D.C. and San Diego, California.

Blue Moon Aviation was established in 2002 by aviation entrepreneur Richard Page to provide private charters worldwide. Mr Page previously owned MGM Grand Airlines, which subsequently became Champion Air. The carrier was acquired by Northwest Airlines and a private investor in 1997.

For further information, please contact:
Sean Lee, SALE
Tel: +65 96196549
Email: [email protected]
At the Paris Air Show:
Tel: +33 (0) 1 41 69 27 42

Richard Page
President and CEO
Blue Moon Aviation LLC
Tel: +1 612 889 6640