World’s largest lessor of turboprop aircraft spreads wings to Australia.

Tuesday 6th September 2011

Nordic Aviation Capital, the world's largest lessor of turboprop aircraft, has joined the Regional Airlines Association of Australia (RAAA). Its decision coincides with a continued surge of interest in new and pre-owned turboprop aircraft in Australia, needed to operate a growing number of flights within the regional and charter sectors.

Nordic Aviation Capital currently offers a fleet of 160 aircraft to 30 customer companies in 20 countries, and the Danish-headquartered company, now in its 21st year, is committed to further international expansion. At this year's Paris Air Show the company confirmed a US$450 million order for 10 next-generation ATR 72-600s, plus 10 options. Deliveries are scheduled from late 2012 through to 2015, bolstering its ATR fleet to over 100 aircraft and reaffirming NAC as the largest lessor of the type.

NAC's fleet is largely comprised of turboprops including ATR 42 and ATR 72 series, Bombardier Dash 8-300 and Q400 series, Fokker 50s and Saab 2000s, plus jets including Bombardier CRJ, Boeing 737 and A320 models. International customers include Lufthansa, American Airlines, US Airways, SAS, Flybe, Air Berlin and TACA.

"As fuel prices continue to rise and airline operators seek new ways to grow while cutting costs, large turboprop airliners are coming back into vogue around the world," said Dean Osborne, newly appointed Vice President, Sales and Acquisitions for Nordic Aviation Capital.

"In Australia, there is significant growth occurring on regional and resources routes, as carriers launch new services, expand their existing operations or introduce turboprops in place of less efficient jets," he added. "We see significant opportunities to structure operating and finance leases for pre-owned and new turboprop aircraft in Australia, and are delighted to have been accepted as a member of the RAAA, the premier representative body for Australia's main turboprop operators."

NAC is a long term member of the European Regions Airlines Association and the US Regional Airline Association.

www.nac.dk.