Aircraft

Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE) is considering placing its first orders for new widebody aircraft in more than a decade while also looking to order more narrowbodies.

The fast-growing aircraft lessor issued requests for proposals to Airbus, Boeing and engine manufacturers in January. Widebodies under evaluation include the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, while narrowbodies being studied are the A320 and 737.

“The responses are already in and we are evaluating the responses,” says the company.

SALE adds that there is no specific timeframe for decisions to be taken and that the number of aircraft that may be ordered has not been finalised.

SALE is owned by Singapore Airlines (SIA), WestLB and two Singapore government investment arms. Its portfolio of nearly 80 owned and managed aircraft is dominated by A320-family narrowbodies, but last year it placed its first direct narrowbody order with Boeing, for up to 40 737-800s. It also has five A320-family aircraft on order with Airbus from previous deals.

SALE has only once in its history purchased widebodies directly from a manufacturer, with firm orders in 1995 for six Boeing 777s as part of a wider order for up to 77 of the twinjet type that was placed by SIA.

The lessor says its current evaluation of new aircraft is “totally separate” from an ongoing evaluation by SIA for widebodies that is expected to result in a major order for A350s or 787s in the coming weeks.

NICHOLAS IONIDES / SINGAPORE