JETSCAPE ACQUIRES TWO MORE EMBRAER E190LR's
Completes purchases from JetBlue Airways and leases to Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras
21-JAN-09
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, January 21st, 2009 – Jetscape is pleased to announce today that it has delivered a second new Embraer E190LR aircraft (MSN 190000242) to Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras, Sao Paulo, Brazil (Azul). The first aircraft (MSN 19000241) was delivered to Azul last week on January 16th, 2009. Both aircraft were acquired from JetBlue Airways Corporation (NASDAQ: JBLU) as part of a transaction announced during 2008 and were immediately placed on twelve-year operating leases by Jetscape to Azul. By mutual agreement among the parties involved in the transaction, Jetscape’s purchase of these two E190’s completes its purchase agreement with JetBlue as opposed to the originally contemplated four aircraft transaction. With its acquisition of these two airplanes, Jetscape has now been involved in twenty-two aircraft transactions with JetBlue Airways both as JetBlue’s remarketing agent and as a buyer.
Financing for these two aircraft was provided by DVB Bank SE, Frankfurt, Germany as part of Jetscape’s recently announced facility with them.
“We are pleased to have completed the purchase of these new aircraft from JetBlue despite turbulence in the financial markets, continuing our longstanding business relations with them,” said John Evans, Jetscape’s Chairman and CEO. “We are also thrilled to establish new relations with Azul and their exceptional team. We have a high degree of confidence in Azul’s management and their business plan and we look forward to a lasting, successful relationship with them. We also appreciate DVB’s continuing belief in Jetscape and their support of these lease transactions with Azul.
About Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras
Brazilian domestic start-up airline, launched in March 2008 by David Neeleman, the Brazilian-born American who established US low cost carrier JetBlue in 1999. Azul has raised start-up capital of US$200 million, the second highest airline start-up capitalization ever. The airline operates point-to-point, low-cost domestic passenger services, initially from Sao Paulo Viracopos-Campinas International Airport but with future base of operations to be located at the convenient Santos Dumont airport in Rio de Janeiro. The airline operates Embraer E-190 and E-195s, each fitted leather seats and individual television screens, featuring in-flight satellite TV. The airline was awarded an AOC by the Brazilian aviation authority ANAC in November 2008.
About Jetscape
Jetscape was founded in 2000 and engages in commercial aircraft leasing, management, remarketing and advisory services – providing innovative, custom-tailored solutions to commercial aircraft owners and operators worldwide. With this transaction, Jetscape currently owns and manages 23 aircraft with 17 airline operators in 11 countries.
Contact: Stefan Kageman, Vice President Marketing (skageman@jetscape.aero) +1-954-763-4737