News
Airbus says Irish leasing company AWAS has signed contract for 75 Airbus aircraft

Jan. 9, 2008, Paris – Irish leasing company AWAS has signed a contract to buy
75 Airbus aircraft from the single-aisle A320 family, the European
plane-making consortium said Wednesday.

Airbus did not provide financial details for the AWAS
transaction. But it said in a statement that the order would give
AWAS a portfolio of 145 Airbus single-aisle and long-range planes.

Franklin L. Pray, AWAS' president and CEO, said the "deal
further diversifies our fleet and allows AWAS to meet current and
future demand from our customers for highly fuel efficient and
environmentally friendly aircraft.''

In December, AWAS, which leases aircraft to airlines, ordered 31
Boeing single-aisle 737-800 jets.

Chicago-based Boeing Co. has said it sold 1,413 commercial jets
in 2007 while delivering 441 planes – its best showing in six years.
Airbus is expected to results for both orders and deliveries on Jan.
16.

On Monday, Deutsche Bank predicted weaker commercial jet orders
in 2008, downgrading its rating for Airbus' parent company to
"sell'' from "hold.''

Shares at Airbus parent European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co.
NV fell 1.3 per cent to 19.11 euros (US$28.10) on Wednesday.