ALAFCO and SMBC Aviation Capital conclude A350 transaction

Toulouse, 21st February 2018: SMBC Aviation Capital has today announced that it has acquired a new Airbus A350-900 XWB (MSN 0185) from Kuwaiti based lessor, ALAFCO which has been delivered to Bangkok-based airline, Thai Airways. The three-way transaction was completed at the Airbus facility in Toulouse and is part of a two A350 aircraft deal, the second of which will be delivered to Thai Airways in March 2018.

Both aircraft will be fitted with Rolls Royce Trent XWB-84 engines.

Commenting on the announcement, CEO Peter Barrett said “We are very pleased to conclude this transaction with ALAFCO which sees us acquire a new A350 and deliver it to our long-term customer, Thai Airways. We are very pleased to enhance our A350 portfolio which is one of the most technologically advanced widebody aircraft on the market. In addition, this transaction enables us to increase our footprint in the Asia Pacific region, our largest market worldwide.”

ALAFCO CEO, Ahmad A. Alzabin added, “ALAFCO is pleased to have successfully completed its first transaction with SMBC Aviation Capital, with the sale representing a good opportunity for ALAFCO to generate value for its investors. In addition, this transaction demonstrates the attractiveness of our aircraft assets globally and is evidence of ALAFCO’s disciplined approach to portfolio management. ALAFCO will continue to invest in this technologically-advanced aircraft, and expects to take delivery of an additional 7 A350 aircraft over the next two years.”