Loong Airlines and AerCap sign lease agreement for 20 new aircraft, airline considers widebody fleet

Loong Airlines and AerCap Holdings signed (23-Jan-2017) a lease agreement for 20 new aircraft on 23-Jan-2017, marking the largest deal ever signed by a lessor with a Chinese private airline. Loong Airlines chairman Liu Qihong said: "After three years of development and accumulation, Loong Air has become part of the Chinese aviation industry's backbone, with clear strength in its business fundamentals and significant development potential." He also said the carrier will look into the potential to introduce widebody aircraft for mid-to-long-haul international routes as it looks into further development need of the rapidly growing Hangzhou Airport. [more - original PR - AerCap][more - original PR - Loong Airlines]