Oct 09, 2013 (LBO) – State-run SriLankan Airlines said it had leased three Airbus A350-900 aircraft from US-based International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), as part of a re-fleeting program where another four will be bought directly from the manufacturer. “…[W]e believe that this new generation, fuel-efficient aircraft will play a leading role in the airline’s long-haul operations in time to come,” SriLankan Chief Executive Officer Kapila
Chandrasena said in a statement.
The A350-900s are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engines and will on an operating leases with delivery set for July and September 2016.
“We believe these aircraft will provide valuable flexibility and efficient performance for the airline’s long-haul operations,” ILFC chief executive Henri Courpron said.
ILFC is a unit of American International Group (AIG).
SriLankan is also acquiring another six A330 aircraft directly.
ILFC already has two A330-200s and one A340-300 on lease with SriLankan.