Press Release

SALE Delivers First A320 to Czech Airlines

21 Mar 2005

Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE) has delivered the first Airbus A320 to join the fleet of Czech Airlines (CSA). The aircraft (MSN 1439) will be joined by a second A320 from SALE next month (MSN 1450). The aircraft are powered by CFM-56 5B engines and will be leased to the airline for a period of six years each.

The leasing agreement with CSA represents the first time that SALE has worked with the Czech carrier and the arrival of the first aircraft marks the start of a major single aisle fleet modernisation programme at the airline. This will see the carrier take delivery of a total of 4 leased A320 Family aircraft in 2005, followed by 12 aircraft purchased directly from Airbus between 2006 and 2008.

Jan Váňa, CSA Executive Director for Strategic Planning and Development, said that the leased aircraft had enabled the carrier to implement its fleet modernisation programme almost one year ahead of the arrival of the aircraft ordered directly from Airbus.

“Introduction of the A320 family in our operations will further strengthen the CSA’s leading position among airlines from new EU members states, maximise our chances to benefit from the growing market in the region and support the CSA strategy “Gate to East, Bridge to West.” Our airline is excited to welcome the first A320 and also looking forward to a successful cooperation with SALE.”

Robert Martin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SALE, said that the addition of CSA to its customer base further strengthened the company’s position in the European market.

“We are pleased to welcome CSA to our list of operators from the region and look forward to a lasting and mutually beneficial relationship between our two companies,” he said. “Europe now accounts for one third of our global business, with customers drawn from the full service, low cost, charter and franchise sectors."

SALE is the leading Asia-based aircraft leasing company, with a current fleet of 60 modern aircraft flying with 30 airlines worldwide. Offering true global coverage, the company has offices in Singapore, London, Washington D.C. and San Diego, California.

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