China Airlines Leases 3 New Boeing 737-800 Aircraft from ILFC

China Eastern Airlines Boeing 737 (file)

International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), a wholly owned subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG), has announced it has delivered the first of three new Boeing 737-800 aircraft to China Airlines, boosting the airline’s capacity to expand its flight route network by adding new, modern aircraft to its fleet.

ILFC Chief Executive Officer Henri Courpron commented, “ILFC is pleased to have a strong and mutually beneficial partnership with China Airlines, which supports the airline’s growth and success in their markets. This partnership also demonstrates ILFC focus on Asia Pacific offering the most modern aircraft in the market today.”

”Currently China Airlines are faced with robust demand in its regional operations, including cross-strait, Japan, Korea and Northeast Asia markets. We are pleased to have the opportunity to continue work with our longtime partner ILFC to introduce our new leased 737-800. These additional 737-800s offer the highest degree of operational flexibility and economy, and will allow China Airlines to further strengthen its competitiveness in the short-haul service,” said China Airlines Chairman Huang-Hsiang Sun.

Delivery was completed on April 16, 2013, and represents the first of three Boeing 737-800 aircraft deliveries, which will be taking place between now and June 2013. Equipped with engines manufactured by CFM International, this is ILFC’s 250th 737NG delivered aircraft.