Aerolíneas Argentinas continues to make progress with its fleet renewal plan

Aerolíneas Argentinas announced today that it has reached an agreement with lessor ILFC to add ten Boeing 737-700 to its fleet. The aircraft will be delivered between 2011 and 2012 and are part of a plan to modernize and standardize the carrier´s narrow body fleet, which today comprises twelve aircraft of the type. The aircraft will both accommodate growth and replace older 737-500s.
In reference to this landmark transaction, Mariano Recalde, President and CEO of Aerolíneas Argentinas, stated that “the addition of ten Boeing 737-700s  will allow Aerolíneas to achieve fleet commonality and take advantage of greater operational efficiency, as we prepare to add brand new 737 Next Generation aircraft in the upcoming years”.

Recalde also said that “we are negotiating over the acquisition of more 737-700s and 737-800s for domestic and regional South American flights. Fleet renewal is one of the key points in our business plan, as we will only be able to achieve the initially proposed goals with an updated aircraft fleet”.
Philip Scruggs, ILFC’s Chief Marketing Officer, said that “we are pleased to play an important role in the renewal of Aerolíneas’s narrow body fleet.  With these ten aircraft, Aerolíneas will strengthen its position in the growing Latin American market”.

About Aerolineas Argentinas
Aerolineas Argentinas, the national airline of Argentina, is one of the leading South American carriers. From its home base in Aeroparque Jorge Newbery and Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires, Aerolíneas Argentinas flies to 18 international destinations in The Americas, Europe and the South Pacific. Along with Austral Líneas Aéreas, Aerolíneas operates flights to 34 destinations in Argentina, flying to more cities in the Argentine territory than any other airline. Since March 2010 provides dynamic links between Argentina and the region through its relaunched hub in Aeroparque. Aerolíneas is carrying an ambitious fleet renewal program, which begun in 2009 with the addition of 12 Boeing 737-700 Next Generation and the acquisition of 20 Embraer 190. For more information about the company visit www.aerolineas.com

About ILFC
ILFC is the international market leader in the leasing and remarketing of advanced technology commercial jet aircraft to airlines around the world. ILFC owns a portfolio consisting of approximately 950 jet aircraft.