Press Release

SALE Adds Three Carriers to Operator Base

28 Jul 2003

Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE) this weekend added three new carriers to its operator base, following the delivery of one A319 to Blue Moon Aviation of the US, one A310-200 to Jordanian charter carrier Jordan Aviation and one A320 to UM Air of the Ukraine. The deliveries bring to eight the number of new lessees signed up by SALE since the start of the year, seven of which have also become Airbus operators for the first time.

The A319 for Minneapolis-based Blue Moon Aviation has been leased on a long-term basis and will be operated in a VIP layout. Now undergoing cabin reconfiguration at the facilities of EADS Sogerma in Toulouse, the aircraft will be the first A319 available for charter in all-Executive layout in the US. The aircraft will enter service in September, with customers including professional and collegiate sports teams, corporations, private individuals and the entertainment industry.

Marking the start of a fleet upgrade programme at UM Air, the A320 delivered to the Kiev-based carrier will be operated on a three-year lease. It is the first Airbus aircraft to enter service in the Ukraine and will fly on UM Air's scheduled network to Beirut and Teheran, as well as on charter services to Turkey and Egypt.

In the widebody category, the A310-200 delivered to Jordan Aviation will be operated on a three-year lease and will be used to develop new services out of Jordan's Aqaba special economic zone. Under the terms of the agreement, the airline has the option to purchase the aircraft at any time during the lease.

Robert Martin, Managing Director of SALE, said that the deliveries reflected the success of the company's global marketing effort, despite adverse market conditions.

"The key to success in today's market is the ability to identify every possible opportunity for aircraft placement," he said. "With eight new operators this year in four continents, SALE has been able to demonstrate its ability to compete with the biggest industry players on a truly global scale."

SALE is the leading Asia-based aircraft leasing company, with a portfolio currently comprising 54 modern aircraft. Offering global coverage, SALE has offices in Singapore, London, Washington D.C. and San Diego, California and aircraft in service with 27 airlines worldwide.

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