The world's top aircraft lessor, AerCap Holdings, has signed lease agreements for 10 new Airbus A320neo aircraft and two new Airbus A330neo aircraft with Italian state-owned carrier ITA Airways.
Deliveries of the new planes will start next year, the Dublin-based company said today.
AerCap this week submitted a $3.5 billion insurance claim for more than 100 jets stuck in Russia.
Its exposure to Moscow was the highest among all lessors when European Union sanctions forced the termination of Russian leases, accounting for 5% of its fleet by value.
AerCap had 135 aircraft and 14 engines on lease to Russia but has repossessed and removed 22 aircraft and three engines, it said in its fourth-quarter financial results.
Peter Anderson, the chief commercial officer of AerCap, said the comany was pleased to expand its relationship with ITA Airways through the lease of the 12 advanced-technology Airbus planes.
"These aircraft will enable ITA Airways to expand its network, whilst advancing its commitment to maintain an environmentally friendly, fuel-efficient fleet," he added.
Francesco Presicce, chief technology officer of ITA Airways, said the integration of the new planes is perfectly in line with the company's fleet plan.
"This agreement represents a further step in our strategy of building a new environmental-friendly fleet with leadingedge technologies which will optimise efficiency, quality of service and significantly reduce the environmental impact," he added.
The Italian airline said the collaboration with AerCap allows its to improve cost efficiencies across its fleet.
Italy's government said this week that it wanted to clinch a deal for the sale of ITA Airways by the middle of June.
