Aircraft

Dedicated Boeing 787 lessor LCAL has ordered a further six of the type, taking its overall commitment to the twin-jet to 21.

LCAL, which placed its first order for 787s two years ago, will take the additional aircraft in 2014. Deliveries of the 15 787s it previously had on order are due to run from 2009 to 2013.

The six new aircraft were previously attributed on Boeing's orders and deliveries books to an unidentified customer.

LCAL president and CEO Steve Clarke says the lessor has not made an engine selection for the latest batch, but intends to offer customers a choice of both engine types. It has already opted for Rolls-Royce Trent 1000s for some of its earlier 787s, and is negotiating with GE to equip some of its aircraft with GEnx engines.

The latest six aircraft are 787-8s, although Clarke says LCAL has the option to switch most of these to 787-9s.

“We have some early positions on the -9 for 2011-12. With the exception of our first six, all our aircraft have the option to switch between them,” he says.

“In the space of two years we have grown our portfolio three and a half times. With early deliveries, LCAL is uniquely positioned to competitively enter the leasing market with the most highly-demanded product in the commercial aircraft world.”

He adds that the company intends to remain a dedicated 787 lessor, until such a time as a new product that fits its criteria is launched.

“When another type – maybe a 737 successor [arrives] – we will certainly look forward to being an early customer. But until that time we remain a 787 dedicated lessor,” he says.