AWAS to deliver fleet upgrade solution to long-time customer Ethiopian Airlines

AWAS announced today that it will provide a fleet upgrade solution to its long-time customer, the flag carrier of Ethiopia, Ethiopian Airlines. As part of the deal AWAS will purchase three new 737-800 passenger aircraft from the airline that Ethiopian had previously ordered directly from the manufacturer, and then lease them back to the airline. All three aircraft will deliver in 2015. As part of this agreement, AWAS will also assist Ethiopian with the timely fleet transition of two 767-300ER widebody passenger aircraft that no longer meet its longer-term business plans.

Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO Ethiopian Airlines remarked on the deal, “Once again we have turned to our trusted partner AWAS, who has worked closely with us to craft this customised solution to assist with our fleet modernisation and expansion plans, in line with our Vision 2025 strategic roadmap.”

Ray Sisson, President & CEO AWAS commented, “AWAS is very pleased to provide Ethiopian Airlines with the ability to efficiently add modern narrowbody lift, while at the same time crafting a fleet strategy for aircraft that they wish to exit. We are proud of our Commercial and Technical Teams ability to deliver solutions that can be more complex, but provide significantly more value to our customers.”

AWAS has deep expertise in transitioning and upgrading aircraft to new airline customers, jurisdictions and business models…creating a timely and profitable solution for all involved parties.