GECAS has formally sealed a deal with China’s Hongtu Airlines for the lease of four Airbus A320neo aircraft at Farnborough Airshow.
The aircraft will enter service in the first quarter of next year. Headquartered in the Yunnan Province’s capital of Kunming, Hongtu launched operations in May 2016 and operates a fleet of four Airbus aircraft.
“GECAS is delighted to partner with Hongtu Airlines as they look to expand their operations,” said Alec Burger, GE Capital President, and GECAS President and CEO. “These new-technology aircraft, incorporating CFM Leap-1A engines, optimise fuel consumption while doubling Hongtu’s fleet and their capacity to serve their customers. As Hongtu Airlines grows, we wish them every success and we look forward to deepening our relationship with the carrier.”
“By leveraging the GECAS order book, Hongtu Airlines will be able to better serve our passengers with the latest technical and comfort enhancements as well as expand our operations to meet the needs of our travellers within China,” said Gang Liu, the airline’s CEO.
GECAS also confirmed that, following the delivery of Chinese carrier Okay Airways’ first leased Boeing 737 MAX 8 last week, it has signed another contract with the airline for the purchase-and-leaseback with pre-delivery payment financing of two B737 MAX 8s. The aircraft, fitted with CFM LEAP-1B engines, are scheduled for delivery in July and September next year.
Established in 2004, Okay Airways is the first privately-owned aviation company in operation in China, based out of Tianjin Binhai International Airport. It currently operates an all-Boeing fleet flying over 150 domestic and international routes.
Written by: Mark Thomas
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