NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (January 14, 2014)–Aviation Capital Group (ACG) is pleased to announce that it has leased an IAE powered Airbus A321 aircraft to Nordwind Airlines, the third such transaction between the two companies. ACG has been leasing aircraft to Russian airlines for more than a decade and views Russia as a vibrant, growing commercial aircraft market.
Mr. Denis Kalscheur, CEO of ACG stated that “There is nothing more validating, and rewarding, than repeat business and we are honored that Nordwind has once again chosen to partner with ACG to help fulfill its fleet requirements.”
“We are delighted to underscore our great partnership with ACG, and look forward to continuing our valuable relationship,” said Oguz Senol Yuce, Deputy General Director and Head of Fleet, Nordwind Airlines. “This deal further demonstrates Nordwind’s mission to provide our passengers with advanced aircraft solutions that are customized to effectively support Russia’s robust traffic growth.”
About Aviation Capital Group
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2014, ACG is one of the top aircraft operating lease enterprises in the world with a portfolio in excess of 250 commercial aircraft leased to over 90 airlines in more than 40 countries. ACG also maintains one of the industry’s largest new aircraft order books with more than 140 additional Boeing and Airbus aircraft on order. ACG has an investment grade credit rating and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pacific Life Insurance Company (“Pacific Life”). Founded in 1868, Pacific Life is one of the leading U.S.-based life insurance companies. As of December 31, 2013, Pacific Life has in excess of $120 billion in assets under management and financial strength ratings of A+/A1/A+ (Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, Fitch Ratings). www.aviationcapitalgroup.com
About Nordwind Airlines
Nordwind is a Moscow-based airline established in 2008 with its base of operations at Sheremetyevo airport, Moscow. Nordwind currently serves 26 countries and 97 cities through an extensive charter program and links a multitude of airports in Russia with holiday destinations. In addition to their current charter service, Nordwind is planning to start domestic and international scheduled passenger service in 2014. The airline closed out 2013 with over 3.5 million passengers carried with a modern technology, fuel efficient, fleet of 24 aircraft. By 2014, the airline expects to be operating almost 50 airplanes and carry no less than 5.5 million passengers. Nordwind currently has three Boeing 777-200ERs, eighteen Boeing 767-300ERs, eight Boeing 757-200ERs, six Boeing 737-800s, eight Airbus A321-200s and one Airbus A320-200. Nordwind also has two subsidiary airlines, Kharkiv Airlines of the Ukraine and IKAR Airlines of Russia, based in Krasnoyarsk. The combined airline group carried 6.4 million passengers in 2013. www.nordwindairlines.ru
Gordon Grant
Head of Investor & Media Relations – Communications
+1 949 219 4664
gordon.grant@aviationcapital.com
