Sri Lankan Airlines leases three A350-900s

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.