News — 2018

ALAFCO and SMBC Aviation Capital conclude A350 transaction

21/02/2018

Two aircraft deal with Thai Airways-

 

Aircraft

 

Toulouse 21st February 2018: SMBC Aviation Capital has today announced that it has acquired a new Airbus A350-900 XWB (MSN 0185) from Kuwaiti based lessor, ALAFCO which has been delivered to Bangkok-based airline, Thai Airways. The three-way transaction was completed at the Airbus facility in Toulouse and is part of a two A350 aircraft deal, the second of which will be delivered to Thai Airways in March 2018.

 

Both aircraft will be fitted with Rolls Royce Trent XWB-84 engines.

Commenting on the announcement, CEO Peter Barrett said "We are very pleased to conclude this transaction with ALAFCO which sees us acquire a new A350 and deliver it to our long-term customer, Thai Airways.We are very pleased to enhance our A350 portfolio which is one of the most technologically advanced widebody aircraft on the market.In addition, this transaction enables us to increase our footprint in the Asia Pacific region, our largest market worldwide."

ALAFCO CEO, Ahmad A. Alzabin added, "ALAFCO is pleased to have successfully completed its first transaction with SMBC Aviation Capital, with the sale representing a good opportunity for ALAFCO to generate value for its investors. In addition, this transaction demonstrates the attractiveness of our aircraft assets globally and is evidence of ALAFCO's disciplined approach to portfolio management. ALAFCO will continue to invest in this technologically-advanced aircraft, and expects to take delivery of an additional 7 A350 aircraft over the next two years."

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Orla Benson, SMBC Aviation Capital, Mobile: 00 353 86 047 4343

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

About SMBC Aviation Capital

SMBC Aviation Capital is one of the world's leading aircraft lessors, with c. 100 airline customers in 42 countries. At 31 March 2017, the company owns, manages and is committed to purchase 668 aircraft. Established in 2001, the company was acquired in 2012 by a consortium comprising of two of Japan's biggest companies SMFG and Sumitomo Corporation. For further information go to https://www.smbc.aero

 

About ALAFCO

ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Company is a global aircraft leasing company headquartered in Kuwait, with an operating subsidiary in Dublin, Ireland. ALAFCO's main activities include aircraft operating leases, sale and leaseback operations and aircraft lease management services. ALAFCO's current portfolio consists of 69 Airbus and Boeing aircraft - comprising of A320, B737 and B777 aircraft - leased to 21 airlines in 14 countries across the world. ALAFCO invests in new technology aircraft and currently has a firm order of 124 aircraft comprising of 67 A320neo, 10 A321neo, 7 A350-900XWB and 40 B737Max aircraft. www.alafco.com

Media Enquiries:

Conor Irwin/Dara O’Sullivan
SMBC Aviation Capital

+353 1 859 9000

Email

Charles O'Brien
Partner
Finsbury

+44 0 7825 043 656

Email