Willis Lease Finance Corporation announced the closing of a sale and leaseback transaction on ten Airbus A319 aircraft with easyJet Airline. The aircraft are powered by CFM56-5B engines. The deal combines elements from across the Willis Platform, including leasing, trading and asset management businesses, to provide a tailored solution designed to support easyJet in the fleet management of its existing aircraft as it introduces the latest generation of Airbus A320NEO family aircraft.

“It is an honor to welcome easyJet to the growing number of airlines who are taking advantage of the considerable benefits and fleet flexibility that the Willis Platform brings to airlines bridging from current generation to new technology aircraft,” said Charles F. Willis, Chairman and CEO.

“This deal allows easyJet to leverage our entire Platform -- leasing, asset management, maintenance services, engine storage and CFM56 engine portfolio -- to efficiently and cost effectively transition existing aircraft,” said Brian R. Hole, President. “We are very pleased to have completed this transaction and are proud to support easyJet’s strategic plans.”

“We selected Willis Lease because of their unique ability to create and deliver a comprehensive solution that will significantly lower the risk and cost of transitioning to our fleet of new technology A320NEO aircraft,” said Chris Essex, Head of Fleet Strategy and Procurement for easyJet. “We are looking forward to building a relationship with Willis Lease over the coming years to ensure our single aisle fleet transition remains seamless.”