News releases 2007
Macquarie AirFinance acquires aircraft joint venture interests
SAN FRANCISCO - 3 July 2007
Macquarie AirFinance, a global aircraft leasing company based in Dublin, Ireland, today announced that it has completed the acquisitions of all third party interests in 25 aircraft owned by five joint venture companies originally established by GATX Corporation. This follows the acquisition in January 2007 of third party interests in another former GATX joint venture owning four aircraft. As a result of the transaction, Macquarie AirFinance is now the sole owner of these former joint venture companies.
The aircraft involved in the recent transaction include 19 Boeing 737-800s, five Airbus A320-200s and one Boeing 757.
John Willingham, Chief Executive Officer of Macquarie AirFinance, said, “We are very pleased to have successfully acquired the remaining ownership interests in the majority of our joint ventures. This was an important step in completing the acquisition and rationalization of the former GATX Air portfolio.
“As a result of this transaction, Macquarie AirFinance is now the sole owner of 69 aircraft. We thank our former partners for their cooperation and support, and look forward to future opportunities to work together,” said Mr. Willingham.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Macquarie AirFinance
Macquarie AirFinance is a global aircraft leasing company providing aircraft and capital to the world’s commercial airlines, and advisory and management services to aircraft owners. Established in 2006 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Macquarie AirFinance launched its presence in the industry through the acquisition of a majority of the aircraft leasing assets of GATX Corporation. The Company currently owns or manages 122 jet aircraft leased to 54 operators in 30 countries, across five continents.
For further information, please contact:
Paula Chirhart
Corporate Communications
Macquarie Group
Tel: +1 (212) 231 1310
Macquarie AirFinance leases new A320 to TAM
SAN FRANCISCO - 2 July 2007
Macquarie AirFinance, a global aircraft leasing company based in Dublin, Ireland, today announced that it has leased one new Airbus A320 aircraft to Brazilian scheduled operator TAM. The aircraft was delivered from the Airbus assembly line in Toulouse and is being leased by the airline under a long-term lease. The aircraft, MSN 3156, is powered by V2500 engines from IAE International Aero Engines and is the second Macquarie AirFinance A320 aircraft to join TAM’s fleet.
Established in 1976, TAM has quickly grown to become Brazil’s largest airline directly serving over 46 domestic and 11 international destinations. Today TAM’s fleet includes 76 A320 Family aircraft with growth continuing at a fast pace.
John Willingham, Chief Executive Officer of Macquarie AirFinance, said that the company was pleased to continue to play an important role in the fleet development of TAM.
"TAM continues to develop its strong franchise in South America. We look forward to building on the strong relationship between our two companies," said Mr Willingham.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Macquarie AirFinance
Macquarie AirFinance is a global aircraft leasing company providing aircraft and capital to the world’s commercial airlines, and advisory and management services to aircraft owners. Established in 2006 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Macquarie AirFinance launched its presence in the industry through the acquisition of a majority of the aircraft leasing assets of GATX Corporation. The Company currently owns or manages 122 jet aircraft leased to 54 operators in 30 countries, across five continents.
Paula Chirhart
Corporate Communications
Macquarie Group
Tel: +1 (212) 231 1310
Macquarie AirFinance leases new A320 to Air Via
SAN FRANCISCO - 16 May 2007
Macquarie AirFinance, a global aircraft leasing company based in Dublin, Ireland, today announced that it has leased one new Airbus A320 aircraft to Bulgarian charter operator Air Via. The aircraft, >MSN 3125 powered by V2500 engines from IAE International Aero Engines, was delivered from the Airbus assembly line in Toulouse, France, and is being leased by the airline under a long term lease. This aircraft is the fourth A320 aircraft to join Air Via's fleet and is the second in the fleet to be leased from Macquarie AirFinance.
Established in 1990, Air Via conducts charter flights for several European tour operators including TUI and Thomas Cook to a wide range of European and intercontinental destinations.
John Willingham, Chief Executive Officer of Macquarie AirFinance, said that the company was pleased to be able to play an important role in the fleet development of Air Via.
Bulgaria, as one of the newest entrants to the EU, offers high potential for growth in tourism. We are confident that Air Via will be one of the major players in the Bulgarian tourist market and we look forward to strengthening the relationship between our two companies," said Mr Willingham.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Macquarie AirFinance
Macquarie AirFinance is a global aircraft leasing company providing aircraft and capital to the world’s commercial airlines and advisory and management services to aircraft owners. Established in 2006, with its headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, Macquarie AirFinance launched its presence in the industry through the acquisition of a majority of the aircraft leasing assets of GATX Corporation. The Company currently owns or manages 122 jet aircraft leased to 54 operators in 29 countries, across five continents.
For further information, please contact:
Paula Chirhart
Corporate Communications
Macquarie Group
Tel: +1 (212) 231 1310
Launch of Macquarie AirFinance and appointment of new Chief Executive Officer
DUBLIN - 17 January 2007
Macquarie AirFinance announced its launch today following the acquisition by a consortium, including Macquarie Bank and other investment funds, of the wholly-owned aircraft of GATX Corporation (GATX) on November 30, 2006. Finalized today, Macquarie AirFinance has also acquired GATX’s aircraft joint venture interests.
Mr John Willingham, previously Chief Operating Officer of Boullioun Aviation Services, Inc., has been named Chief Executive Officer of Macquarie AirFinance.
“I am delighted to lead such a talented and experienced team at Macquarie AirFinance. For our customers, suppliers and financing partners, Macquarie AirFinance integrates the capabilities and resources of GATX Air with the expertise and global reach of Macquarie. We look forward to building Macquarie AirFinance into one of the pre-eminent brands in our industry,” said Mr Willingham.
Macquarie AirFinance has acquired ownership interests in 87 aircraft. The weighted average age of the fleet is approximately 5 years, with over 90 percent of the portfolio value represented by the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737NG families.
“The aviation industry has rebounded strongly since 2001 and once again demonstrated its resilience and importance to the global economy. Growth in the sector is expected to lead to the global aircraft fleet doubling in size by 2024. Our focus will be on supplying quality aircraft, efficient capital and expert asset management to enable our airline and owner clients to realize their objectives”, said Mr Willingham.
In addition to Mr Willingham, Macquarie AirFinance’s senior management team includes Messrs. Colin Bole, Executive Vice President, Head of Marketing; Jeffrey Buckio, Executive Vice President, Head of Technical; and Stephen Moulton, General Counsel, all formerly of GATX Air.
For further information, the company’s new website can be found at: www.macquarie.aero
About Macquarie AirFinance
Macquarie AirFinance is a global aircraft leasing company providing aircraft and capital to the world’s commercial airlines and advisory and management services to aircraft owners. Macquarie AirFinance currently owns or manages 126 jet aircraft leased to 53 operators in 29 countries, across five continents.
Established in 2006, Macquarie AirFinance was formed to acquire the assets of GATX Air, the aircraft leasing business of GATX Corporation. Macquarie AirFinance is headquartered in Dublin with offices in San Francisco, Toulouse and London.
For further information, please contact:
Paula Chirhart
Corporate Communications
Macquarie Group
Tel: +1 (212) 231 1310