MAJOR ILFC PURCHASE TAKES TOTAL AIRBUS ORDERS BEYOND THE 4000 MARK

International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) has signed a firm order for 62 A320 Family aircraft and 20 A330 widebodies, confirming a commitment announced in July, and taking Airbus’ total sales to 4060.

The deal, worth more than US$5 billion, covers the purchase of 18 A319s, 27 A320s, 17 A321s and 20 A330-200s, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2002 and continuing through 2008. Engine selections have yet to be announced.

This order from ILFC takes total firm orders for the A320 Family to over 2,600 aircraft from more than 120 customers and operators, highlighting its tremendous worldwide appeal as the most modern single-aisle family on the market. The lessor’s selection of the A330-200 takes A330/A340 Family sales to some 650 from over 60 customers and operators.

“The strong airline demand for all Airbus types, with their unique degree of commonality and passenger appeal, makes this order a necessary step in our business plan, said Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, ILFC's President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our ongoing success in securing placements for our Airbus aircraft several years in advance of their delivery supports our analysis of the present and future economic values of these products.”

ILFC is Airbus’ largest single customer and has placed orders for every aircraft type produced by the European manufacturer to date. This significant new order, coming just months after ILFC’s recent purchase of 50 Airbus aircraft in May, takes the total number of Airbus aircraft in the leasing company’s portfolio to 475.

“We are delighted to see this important customer purchasing more of our aircraft so soon, said Noël Forgeard, Airbus Chief Executive Officer. “ILFC’s repeat business reflects Airbus’ success in continually striving to deliver the most efficient and advanced aircraft on the market.

Airbus Industrie – a partnership between EADS and BAE Systems - offers airlines the most modern and comprehensive aircraft family, ranging in size from the 107-seat A318 up to the 555-seat A3XX. Established just 30 years ago, Airbus has sold over 4,000 airliners to around 200 customers and operators since its inception.