GMT Global Acquires Four Airbus A320-200s

DUBLIN --- GMT Global Republic Aviation (GMT Global) has acquired four Airbus A320-200 aircraft with a market value of US$68 million, from Aercap Holdings N.V. The aircraft are currently on lease until 2012 to TAM - LInhas Aereas, S.A. based in Sao Paulo, Brazil.>> The addition of the four single-aisles further diversifies GMT Global's portfolio to a total of 16 twin-aisle and six single-aisle aircraft.>> TAM is a major Brazilian airline providing scheduled services from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos to approximately 50 domestic destinations with an additional two dozen served through alliances with regional carriers. The airline has a fleet of 108 aircraft and has been the leader in the Brazilian domestic market for more than three years with a 50 percent share of passenger traffic.>> The two-engine narrow-body Airbus A320-200 has been in production with Airbus for 20 years; over 6,000 aircraft in the Airbus A320 family have been ordered and over 3,300 delivered to more than 225 operators worldwide.>> Paul Mason, Chief Executive Officer of GMT Global, commented:>> "This transaction is an important development for us, as it expands our fleet with single-aisle aircraft and also develops our presence in Latin America, one of the fast growing economic regions. We will continue to increase our portfolio globally, particularly as economic conditions tighten, as this plays to our strengths as a value-focused aircraft investor.">> GMT Global's strategy is to expand its business by acquiring and managing aircraft in the rapidly growing international aviation market. There are approximately 20,000 commercial aircraft currently in service. This is expected to rise significantly in the coming years. GMT Global plans to leverage its unique industry expertise and key market relationships to expand its fleet at all stages of the aviation economic cycle.