Aircraft leasing firm spreads wings across Africa

By Philip Mwakio

International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) has entered into negotiations with several national and commercial airlines to boost its presence in Africa by 2015.

Ozzie Chraibi, Vice-President of the aircraft leasing company, said Air travel is flourishing in Africa because rapidly improving economies are helping the industry emerge from the global downturn.

"We would love to double our exposure in Africa from 20 aircraft in the next five years," he said on the sidelines of an African Aviation Conference.

The Los Angeles based corporation with a portfolio of more than 1,000 aircraft, leases Boeing and Airbus passenger aircraft in eight African countries.

The official said ILFC has leased aircraft for eight years in the world’s poorest region and was focusing on growing this business. The International Air Transport Association is on record as stating that global air travel rebounded in May, with African carriers reporting an increase in demand of 16.9 per cent.

Pilot training courses

"We are following the market and actively pursuing many airlines in Africa," the official added.

Meanwhile, Boeing Training and Flight Services has been granted provisional approval for its 787 dreamliner pilot training courses by the United States Federal Aviation Administration.

With the 787 pilot training courses, pilots can transit to the new airplane in five to 20 days depending on pilot experience.

Boeing 777 pilots can qualify to fly the 787 in as little as five days given the high level of commonality between the two types of airplanes.