Aircraft Engine Lease Finance, Inc. (“AELF”) today announced that it had acquired an A330-325 on lease from South African Airways. The 2016 vintage aircraft has serial number 1754.
Joe Cirillo said, “This A330 300 acquisition presented a rare opportunity to connect our recent South African activities with our extensive A330 experience. South African Airways has been a long-standing carrier with a positive trajectory. We are proud to add them to our list of valued airline partners.”
AELF recently acquired, leased, and financed several A330-200s and 737-800s, both in South Africa and elsewhere.
“SAA’s partnership with AELF has been renewed and we are grateful for this as we continue to grow and modernise the fleet in order to take advantage of the exciting prospects awaiting our industry, both in Africa and abroad,” said John Lamola.
Arena Aviation Capital in the Netherlands arranged for the transaction. Erik Dahmen – Chief Commercial Officer, Arena – said: “This is our first transaction with AELF. We congratulate them on the acquisition and the smooth professional deal closure. It is also a testament of our desire for third party services to generate revenue and add value, as opposed to traditional aircraft lease management.”
AELF
Aircraft Engine Lease Finance Inc. (“AELF”) has extensive experience as a commercial aircraft lessee. AELF is based in Chicago and offers flexible and customizable financing solutions for airlines and commercial aircraft operators around the world. AELF, which has been operating for over a decade, is constantly expanding its commercial aircraft portfolio and engines. A strong focus is currently on the 737NG.
South African Airways
South African Airways (SAA), celebrating 90 years of service, is the most awarded Skytrax airline carrier in Africa, and proudly flies under the South African Flag, connecting domestic, regional, and international destinations.
About Arena Aviation Capital
Arena Aviation Capital is an internationally recognized aircraft leasing company and asset management firm that specializes in structuring, managing and investing in aircraft. Arena, with its main offices in Amsterdam and Dublin, today manages over 50 aircraft and engine assets leased to 25 airline customers in Europe, North & South America, Africa and Asia. Arena Aviation Capital, a company committed to excellence and innovative solutions in asset management and aircraft leasing, partners with investors.
