Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) announced the delivery of one new Boeing 737-8 aircraft on long-term lease to Belavia-Belarusian Airlines. Featuring CFM LEAP-1B engines, this is the first of five new Boeing 737-8s confirmed to deliver to Belavia from ALC’s order book with Boeing.

“ALC is pleased to confirm this historic and significant transaction with Belavia, delivering the airline’s first 737-8 today,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “Our team introduced the Boeing 737 aircraft family to Belavia 18 years ago and now we are delighted to announce the first of five new 737-8s on long-term lease with the airline.”

"Since 2003, our passengers have been traveling on Boeing aircraft. Our desire to develop and constantly increase our service level with maximum flight safety does not allow us to stand still. Today, our long-standing partners — Air Lease Corporation and Boeing — have helped us to open a new page in the development of our fleet. The next-generation Boeing 737-8 aircraft will gradually replace the Boeing 737-300 and Boeing 737-500 operated by our airline, which will significantly renew the aircraft fleet of Belavia-Belarusian Airlines. It should also be noted that the 737-8 aircraft have better characteristics: they are more environmentally friendly and cost-efficient. This will allow us to do what is so expected of us: to reduce the cost of air tickets. For passengers, this aircraft will differ from the usual 737-800 aircraft, primarily in the Business Class cabin. It will be a separate cabin with 12 comfortable seats. Thus, we will offer a significant increase in the service level for our passengers. We are very carefully preparing for acceptance of the aircraft: our pilots completed training for this type of aircraft a year ago. Now, they are repeating training. This also concerns the technical personnel: they are re-trained and confirm their readiness for maintenance of this type of aircraft. When accepting a new aircraft, we must be sure of the safety of our passengers and will do everything to guarantee it. We hope that each trip of our passengers will be more comfortable and bright," said Igor Tcherginets, Director General of Belavia-Belarusian Airlines.