China Aircraft Leasing Company signs purchase agreement for 36 Airbus A320 Family aircraft

January 14, 2013, Hong Kong – China Aircraft Leasing Company (“CALC” or the “Company”), a fast growing Hong Kong-based aircraft leasing company, is pleased to announce that it has finalized its firm order of 36 current generation A320 Family aircraft at the end of last year.

A purchase agreement was signed with Airbus S.A.S. (“Airbus”) for 28 A320 and 8 A321 aircraft. CALC’s total investment is valued at US$3.2 billion at current list prices.

While CALC has already place a number of early delivery slots with Chinese airlines, it’s CALC’s objective to place a significant part of the ordered aircraft outside China, with a particular emphasize on the Asia-Pacific region. This will allow airlines throughout the world to access operating lease financing from China – one of the most dynamic financial market in world.

CALC has the option to equip the aircraft with the new fuel-saving “Sharklets” wingtip devices. The Sharklets are designed to enhance the fuel-efficiency and payload-range performance of the A320 Family and result in at least 3.5 percent lower fuel burn over longer sectors. CALC will make an engine selection for the aircraft in the near future.

CALC currently owns a portfolio of 16 modern commercial aircrafts including five A320s, five A321s, four B737-800 and two A330-200. It also has entered into commitments to acquire two more A330-200s and two additional A320 aircraft. In December 2011, CALC also became an inaugural customer of Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) by signing an agreement to purchase 20 C919 aircraft. With these two new aircraft orders, CALC’s fleet will grow to almost 80 aircraft.

As the largest red chip aircraft lessor in China, CALC has been enjoying competitive advantages through its strategic dual-platform structure, which enables the company to provide flexible and competitive leasing solutions to its customers. CALC’s independent structure also makes it possible to obtain a wide range of sustainable source of financing. Over the last two years, CALC has introduced China Everbright Limited (“CEL”) as well as China Aerospace Investment Holdings Limited (“CAIH”) as its strategic investors. These investments helped broaden CALC’s shareholder structure, and enabled the company to better leverage its position as the country’s largest independent aircraft leasing company.