SMBC Aviation Capital and Sky Airline complete three A320neo aircraft deal

March 27 2017 - SMBC Aviation Capital and Sky Airline (Chile) today announced that they have entered into an agreement for the placement of three Airbus A320neo aircraft.This deal represents SMBC Aviation Capital's first A320neo placement in the Americas from its direct order book.

The new aircraft are scheduled to deliver in the second half of 2018. The A320neo Family incorporates latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklet wing tip devices, which together deliver more than 15 percent in fuel savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020 with further cabin innovations. The aircraft will support Sky's low cost carrier service in the Chilean market and nearby markets Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay.

Holger Paulmann, CEO of Sky Airline commented, "After conducting extensive product evaluation, we determined the A320neo as the best match with which to carry out our low cost carrier strategy. Providing the latest technical innovations and unbeatable economics, the A320neo is an exciting new addition to our fleet and we are happy to develop our low cost model using the most modern, comfortable, and most efficient aircraft as we expand across a number of key countries" .

Peter Barrett, CEO, SMBC Aviation Capital added, "We look forward to building on our existing relationship with Sky Airline with the placement of these three new aircraft.This is the first placement from our order book in the Americas and is evidence of the strong appetite for the newest technologies which can drive long term cost benefits" .

SMBC Aviation Capital first did business with Sky Airline in 2013 with the placement of three Airbus A319s.