Ryanair unit Laudamotion has taken delivery of the first two Airbus A320s being leased from SMBC Aviation Capital.
The aircraft, MSNs 2924 and 2928, are the first aircraft delivered on lease to the Austrian carrier since Ryanair increased its stake in the operator to a majority share earlier this year.
Source: SMBC Aviation Capital
The first aircraft has just been delivered to Laudamotion, while the second will follow in January once cabin reconfiguration has been completed. Flight Fleets Analyzer shows the two aircraft are 2006-build models.
Laudamotion managing director Andreas Gruber says: “We are pleased to conclude this deal with SMBC Aviation Capital for these two Airbus aircraft following the acquisition of 75% in Laudamotion by Ryanair. This is an exciting time for the airline as it enhances its fleet.”
A consortium led by Niki Lauda acquired assets of Austrian carrier Niki - the leisure carrier Lauda had founded - from administrators earlier this year. It launched flights earlier this summer on former Niki routes using Airbus narrowbodies. Ryanair, an all-Boeing 737 operator, quickly took a stake in the carrier ahead of acquiring a majority holding and it now flies as a Ryanair subsidiary.
SMBC Aviation Capital chief executive Peter Barrett says: "In 2003, we leased one of our first Boeing aircraft to Ryanair. We are delighted now to conclude this transaction with the airline for its first Airbus aircraft which will be incorporated into the Laudamotion fleet. ."
Source: Cirium Dashboard
