Exercising options

Boeing and Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE) announced yesterday that the lessor has exercised options and purchase rights for 20 Boeing Next-Generation 737-800s.

The agreement, valued at $1.4bn at list prices, follows previous orders in May 2005 and April 2006 for a total of 30 737s.

‘Since SALE placed its first 737 order in May 2005, we have enjoyed huge success in placing the aircraft with airlines across the world,’ said SALE Chief Executive Officer Robert Martin. ‘The fact that we have exercised all of our outstanding options and purchase rights at this time reflects our confidence in the strong ongoing demand for this product line.’

The new airplanes are scheduled for delivery between 2009 and 2011. As with previous orders by SALE, the 737-800 is the baseline model specified, but the agreement provides for conversions to other Next-Generation 737 family models.