News — 2017

First Airbus A350 XWB for Asiana Airlines

24/04/2017

-Six aircraft deal, one of SMBC Aviation Capital's largest transactions to date-

Toulouse, 24 April 2017: Asiana Airlines, one of Korea's and Asia's leading airlines, today added its first Airbus A350 XWB (MSN 0094) to its fleet.The A350-900 was delivered by SMBC Aviation Capital and is the first of a six A350-900 sale and leaseback deal which also includes the financing of Pre-Delivery Payments due to the aircraft manufacturer. The aircraft is also the first A350 XWB to be operated by a Korean airline. SMBC Aviation Capital, together with Airbus and Asiana celebrated receipt of the aircraft at the Airbus facility in Toulouse.

 

"Today's delivery begins a new chapter in our history bringing significant enhancements to our fleet. This A350-900 aircraft will provide us with operational advantages across our long-haul network enabling us to expand our global footprint. This is an aircraft that will offer our passengers the latest and newest cabin developments to make their journey an exceptional passenger experience."

"This milestone transaction cements our long standing relationship with Asiana, one of Asia's leading airlines, while also expanding our footprint in the Asia Pacific region, one of our largest markets worldwide.We are committed to growing and developing our customer relationships and financing these types of large scale transactions where there is an appetite with our customers.

We look forward to building on this partnership and continuing to work with Asiana and Airbus into the future."

Fabrice Brégier, CEO of Airbus, said: "We are delighted to deliver the first A350 XWB to Asiana which will provide an unrivalled flying experience across Asiana's extensive long haul network."

 

Asiana was one of SMBC Aviation Capital's first customers in Asia.Both companies have now worked together for over 14 years.

 

 

 

For more information please contact:

Orla Benson, SMBC Aviation Capital, Mobile: 086 047 4343

Ben Griffiths/Selene Alford, Powerscourt: +44 7753 464 637 / +353 87 642 8844

 

About Asiana Airlines

Asiana Airlines, Inc. is one of major airlines in South Korea. Asiana Airlines has rapidly

expanded since its establishment in 1988 to become a global carrier with a current fleet of

83 aircraft.As a member of Star Alliance, Asiana Airlines operates 11 domestic, 79

international passenger routes and 24 cargo routes as of December 2016. Asiana Airlines is the largest shareholder in Air Busan, a low-cost regional carrier and also holds 100% share of Air Seoul, a subsidiary and its own low-cost carrier.

 

About SMBC Aviation Capital

SMBC Aviation Capital is one of the world's leading aircraft lessors, with over 100 airline customers in 44 countries.As of 30 September 2016, the company owns, manages and is committed to purchase 669 aircraft.Established in 2001, the company rebranded to SMBC Aviation Capital in 2012 following its acquisition by a consortium comprising two of Japan's biggest companies SMFG and Sumitomo Corporation.

 

About Airbus A350

The A350 XWB is Airbus' all-new family of widebody aircraft designed for medium- to long-haul airline operations. Over 70% of the A350 XWB's airframe is made from advanced materials, combining 53% composite structures with titanium and modern aluminium alloys.The A350 XWB's fuselage - built with carbon-fibre reinforced plastic - supports lower fuel burn and is corrosion and fatigue free, resulting in lower maintenance costs.25% less CO2 emissions than the aircraft it replaces. Compared to current CAEP6 (ICAO's Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection) regulations, the A350 XWB displays comfortable margins: 99% below the hydrocarbons limit, 86% below carbon monoxide limit, 60% below the smoke limit, and 35% below the mono-nitrogen oxide (NOx) limit.

Media Enquiries:

Conor Irwin/Dara O’Sullivan
SMBC Aviation Capital

+353 1 859 9000

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Charles O'Brien
Partner
Finsbury

+44 0 7825 043 656

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