Hong Kong Aviation Capital to Acquire Three (3) New A320 Aircraft Under Sale-Leaseback to Indigo in First Major Deal Since Buying Allco Aviation
By Hong Kong Aviation Capital, PRNESunday, July 11, 2010
Total transaction for seven (7) A320s.
SYDNEY, July 12, 2010 - Hong Kong Aviation Capital ("HKAC"), a leading investor in the global
aviation sector, today announced new leases of three (3) new Airbus 320
aircraft to IndiGo Airlines of India. The leases will start on delivery of
the aircraft new from Airbus to IndiGo in 2011. In addition, HKAC announced
the agreement by IndiGo to extend the leases of four (4) existing A320
aircraft.
The three (3) new A320s will be delivered at manufacturer list prices
totaling approximately US$ 200 million, and will be on lease to the airline
for a period of six (6) years. HKAC is closing the purchase of the new
aircraft with support from significant Chinese banking and financial
institutions. Upon delivery of the new aircraft, HKAC will have a total of
ten (10) A320s on lease to IndiGo. The transaction expands its existing 68
aircraft portfolio with assets totaling approximately US$ 3 billion.
HKAC is an Aviation leasing and investment company that includes HNA
Group Co., Ltd., China and an affiliate of Bravia Capital, New York as
shareholders.
Following the successful acquisition of the Allco aviation portfolio in
January 2010, HKAC has transitioned the existing fleet and management,
brought on key senior hires, and adopted a new business plan, to leverage its
significant capital position by providing liquidity to operators with a
target of growing the business to a top 5 operating lessor.
Mr. Mathis Shinnick, CEO of Hong Kong Aviation Capital said: "The
announcement of this deal, coming so quickly after the transition of HKAC's
business model, demonstrates HKAC's strong ambitions in the aircraft leasing
business and is an important step in the company's continued development and
global expansion."
"We are delighted to have completed yet another transaction with IndiGo
as one of their largest lessors. With the completion of this deal, HKAC will
have ten (10) aircraft on lease to Indigo, demonstrating our commitment to
the airline," Mr. Shinnick said.
"This transaction demonstrates our belief in the business model of IndiGo
and its continued success. We believe IndiGo is a very well-run airline in
India, as evidenced by its proven profitability, strong operating metrics,
and balance sheet stability. We believe this deal will be very positive for
HKAC, its shareholders, and the airline," he said.
"HKAC plans to continue expanding our global presence and building our
fleet by actively seeking business with top-tier lessees across the world,"
he said.
Mr. Bharat Bhise, CEO of Bravia Capital Partners said: "We are extremely
optimistic about the Indian aviation market. Following the 2008 downturn,
India has seen one of the strongest rebounds globally and current demand
levels and load factors are the highest ever. IndiGo has set the standard for
the LCC space in India by profitably running an airline despite daunting
hurdles of high costs primarily as a result of poor infrastructure."
"In the next year IndiGo will add 18 more aircraft over their current
base increasing their market share of the Indian market from 11.7% in 2008 to
almost 16% today. As a shareholder of HKAC, we are pleased by the
announcement of this transaction and look forward to the company completing
more transactions in India and globally," Mr. Bhise said.
About Hong Kong Aviation Capital
Hong Kong Aviation Capital is one of the largest global aircraft
operating lessors. The firm currently manages a portfolio of 68 aircraft
worth approximately US$ 3 billion. In addition, HKAC invests in aviation
financial instruments and provides aircraft management services. For more
information, please see: www.hongkongaviation.com.
About HNA Group
HNA Group is a $ 22 billion conglomerate with investments in diverse
industries including air transportation, shipping, logistics, hotels,
financial services, retail and real estate. Since inception, HNA Group has
been nominated as a Fortune 500 Enterprise of China for 6 consecutive years.
For more information please see en.hnagroup.com
About Bravia
Bravia Capital is a leading investor and advisor in the transportation
(including aviation and shipping), logistics, and related growth industries.
The team at Bravia has a long history of achievement in investment management
and structuring complex financial instruments. For more information, please
see: ww.braviacapital.com.
For more information please contact: Nic Jarvis, Edelman, +614-14-414-484 or nic.jarvis@edelman.com Jen McCloy, Edelman, +614-31-562-326 or jennifer.mccloy@edelman.com
Nic Jarvis, +614-14-414-484, nic.jarvis at edelman.com, or Jen McCloy, +614-31-562-326, jennifer.mccloy at edelman.com, both of Edelman for Hong Kong Aviation Capital
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