GE aircraft deal with Air Berlin

GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of GE, has announced its regional aircraft group has signed an agreement with Air Berlin for three new leased Bombardier Q400 NextGen turboprop aircraft.

The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in September and the two others in October and November. The aircraft are part of GECAS’ existing order book with Bombardier.

“The demand for economical turboprops continues to expand and we are thrilled to enter into this new lease with Air Berlin and help them expand their Q400 fleet,” said Alec Burger, president and chief executive officer, GECAS. “The GECAS product portfolio is second to none. We’re pleased that the portfolio is broad enough to provide customers like Air Berlin the aircraft solutions they need, when they need it.”

Formed in 2000, GECAS Regional Aircraft Group leases nearly 400 turboprop and regional jet aircraft to airline customers worldwide. Among leading industry lessors, GECAS has the broadest product mix of turboprop and regional aircraft in the world including ATR, Bombardier and Embraer aircraft.

Air Berlin currently operates a fleet of 150 aircraft. This transaction will increase the Air Berlin Q400 fleet to 20. The airline serves 147 destinations worldwide.