Press Release
BOC Aviation to Lease Three More Aircraft to Westjet
24 Jul 2007
BOC Aviation has signed a new agreement with Canadian carrier WestJet for the lease of three new Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft to be delivered in 2010. Details of the agreement include two 700-series aircraft scheduled for delivery in January and June 2010 respectively and one 800-series aircraft to be delivered in May 2010.
The latest agreement with WestJet brings to 16 the total number of aircraft to be leased by BOC Aviation to the carrier. The first of the aircraft will be delivered new from the Boeing assembly line in Seattle in November this year.
In addition to the confirmed aircraft for delivery between 2007 and 2010, BOC Aviation has also extended an option to WestJet to take a further three aircraft in 2011.
Robert Martin. Chief Executive Officer of BOC Aviation said that the latest deal confirmed WestJet's position as the lessor's single largest customer.
"WestJet is an exceptionally well managed airline with a sound business proposition and excellent prospects," he said. "We are therefore pleased to be able to play a role as one of WestJet's key partners to meet the requirements of its fleet management plan."
BOC Aviation is the leading Asia-based aircraft leasing company. Today the company has a fleet of 74 modern aircraft flying with 29 airlines worldwide. The company has a total of 63 aircraft on firm order for delivery from Airbus and Boeing for delivery through to 2012.
The latest deal with WestJet is the first to be announced by the Singapore-based aircraft leasing company since it changed its name to BOC Aviation earlier this month. The company previously operated as Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE).
WestJet is Canada's leading low-fare airline offering scheduled service throughout its 38-city North American and Caribbean network. WestJet currently has a registered fleet of 65 aircraft. By the end of 2010, based on current committed deliveries, the airline will have a registered fleet of 88 aircraft.