Aer Lingus to buy four A320-200 aircraft

Aer Lingus Group reported that it has exercised its rights under an agreement entered into with Airbus SAS (‘Airbus’) in 2003, regarding the acquisition of four A320-200 aircraft. The four A320-200 aircraft are scheduled for delivery on dates between late 2010 and early 2011. Aer Lingus will seek to implement one or more of a variety of financing options in respect of these aircraft closer to the first delivery date in 2010. The Company intends to retain flexibility in determining the method of financing, and may use bank debt, operating leases, finance leases and similar forms of financing common in the industry. Additionally, Aer Lingus has the ability to fund a significant portion of the aircraft order through the Company’s own substantial cash reserves.