GECAS delivers first of eight leased ATR 72-600s to Azul and Trip

Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras and GE Capital Aviation Services Limited (GECAS) announced (19-Sep-2012) the delivery of a new leased ATR 72-600 aircraft to Azul as part of a purchase and leaseback transaction. The aircraft is the first of five new ATR 72-600s GECAS will lease to Azul to expand the airline's fleet. These aircraft come from Azul's existing orderbook with ATR. The remaining four deliveries are scheduled through Apr-2013. Further, GECAS is leasing three aircraft from GECAS' existing orderbook with ATR to Trip. "Azul and Trip are very fast growing airlines in the region and need aircraft to keep pace with that growth," said GECAS senior vice president and region manager for Latin America and the Caribbean Gilberto Peralta. Azul operates a fleet of some 57 aircraft while Trip operates 58 aircraft. The two airlines announced plans to merge in May-2012 and await final regulatory approval. Combined, the two reach almost 100 destinations in Brazil. [more - original PR]