Aldus Aviation Purchases 11 Embraer E-Jets from GECAS

Wednesday 9th April, 2008

Aldus Aviation Limited (‘Aldus’) a newly established Shannon, Ireland-based international aircraft leasing company, has formally launched operations having completed the acquisition of an initial 11 Embraer E-Jets.

The company, which is headed by experienced aircraft leasing professionals, has recently concluded the purchase of these Embraer jets from GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS) including an agreement for a twelve year service contract. . Under a committed umbrella debt facility provided by HSH Nordbank AG and Alliance and Leicester, Aldus will continue to grow the portfolio with additional aircraft.

Aldus is poised to become an important strategic partner to Embraer as it intends to specialise in the ownership and leasing of the Embraer 70-120 seat E-Jet family (170, 175, 190, and 195 models) the world’s leading large regional airliner family.

Philip Bolger, Chairman of Aldus stated: “Aldus has been working diligently this past six months to close this significant transaction with GECAS and further our relationship with Embraer, two of the largest companies in the aviation sector, while attracting major financing from a range of equity investors interested in investing in Embraer aircraft. We have positioned ourselves to rapidly grow this business with Embraer over the next 12 months.”

Commenting on the transaction Norman C.T. Liu, Executive Vice President Commercial Operations, GECAS Limited said: “We are very pleased to have concluded this transaction with Aldus. It confirms our belief in the depth and growth potential of the Regional Jet market and we are looking forward to working with Aldus to expand this business opportunity.”

Paulo Cesar, Embraer’s Senior Vice President Sales Financing and Asset Management, said: “Embraer is very pleased with the news that Aldus has selected the E-Jets to grow its portfolio and we look forward to working closely with them for new business opportunities.”

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