Aircraft

US lessor Pegasus Aviation Finance has become the first customer to commit formally to the Airbus A350XWB medium twin, after signing for two of the type in an agreement which also covers six A330-200s.

The order is the first firm contract for the A350XWB since the airframer launched the aircraft in November last year.

Pegasus has a portfolio of more than 200 aircraft. The deal is the first direct pact between the San Francisco-based lessor and Airbus.

“We pride ourselves in offering our customers the most modern and technologically-advanced aircraft on the market and the A350XWB strengthens this reputation,” says Pegasus Aviation Finance chief executive Richard Wiley.

Pegasus has not indicated an engine selection for either the A350s or the A330s. Rolls-Royce is to develop the Trent XWB powerplant for the A350. Airbus has yet to secure a second engine supplier.