Genesis Lease Limited Announces Second Quarter 2008 Results

SHANNON, Ireland, July 31, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Genesis Lease Limited
(NYSE:GLS) ("Genesis") today announced its financial results for the second
quarter ended June 30, 2008.

Highlights for the second quarter included:

* Q2 rental revenues increased 25.3% to $52.0 Million
* Q2 EBITDA increased 18.1% to $46.0 Million
* Took delivery of a new B767-300ER aircraft
* Secured new bank debt of more than $90 million
* Unchanged quarterly dividend anticipated at $0.47 per share
For the quarter ended June 30, 2008, rental revenues were $52.0 million,
compared to $41.5 million for the same period in 2007, an increase of 25.3%. For
the six months ended June 30, 2008, rental revenues were $106.1 million,
compared to $82.0 million for the same period last year, an increase of 29.4%.
The increases in rental revenues were primarily the result of the acquisition of
additional aircraft, whereby Genesis increased its portfolio from 41 aircraft on
June 30, 2007 to 54 aircraft on June 30, 2008.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2008, net income was $9.0 million. During the
quarter, two B737-700 aircraft in Genesis's portfolio were returned from Aloha
Airlines, as a result of the airline's bankruptcy. The pre-tax impact of the
early termination of the Aloha leases was $1.4 million, consisting of $2.5
million relating to a reduction in rental revenue and a charge to maintenance
costs in preparation for re-lease of these aircraft, offset by the recognition
of $1.1 million of security deposits during the quarter. Adjusting for this
impact, net income would have been $10.2 million, compared to $11.4 million for
the same period last year. The quarter ended June 30, 2008 additionally includes
a charge of $1.8 million relating to the amortization of deferred financing
costs and commitment fees in connection with Genesis's $1 billion credit
facility and an increase in depreciation related to planned major maintenance
costs.

For the six months ended June 30, 2008, net income was $18.8 million, which
reflects a pre-tax charge of $1.8 million in the first quarter of 2008 relating
to the termination of the two leases with Aloha Airlines and the additional
pre-tax impact of $1.4 million associated with those aircraft in the second
quarter. Adjusting for the consequences of the Aloha default, net income would
have been $21.6 million, compared to $22.4 million for the same period last
year. The six months ended June 30, 2008 additionally includes a charge of $7.4
million relating to the amortization of deferred financing costs and commitment
fees in connection with the credit facility, an increase in depreciation related
to planned major maintenance costs and an increase in selling, general and
administrative expense that reflects significant growth in our infrastructure
after the company's initial public offering in December 2006.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2008, EBITDA was $46.0 million, compared to $38.9
million for the same period in 2007, an increase of 18.1%. For the six months
ended June 30, 2008, EBITDA was $94.0 million, compared to $77.3 million for the
same period last year, an increase of 21.5%. Genesis defines EBITDA as net
income before provision for income taxes, interest, depreciation and
amortization. EBITDA is a key measure of Genesis's operating performance and
liquidity that management uses to focus on consolidated operating results
exclusive of expenses that relate to the financing and capitalization of its
business. Please read "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - EBITDA"
for a description of EBITDA and a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA.

John McMahon, Chief Executive Officer of Genesis, said, "The operating
environment continues to be shaped by the combined effects of fuel prices and
uncertain financial markets on the global economy. In the first half of this
year, we have witnessed the bankruptcy of a number of smaller or niche airlines
as well as the more established airlines reacting to the ongoing challenges by
introducing various revenue improvement and cost cutting strategies while at the
same time retiring older fuel-inefficient aircraft.

"Despite the difficult conditions, we believe that Genesis is relatively well
positioned as we continue to see strong demand for next generation,
fuel-efficient, aircraft, which comprise the backbone of our fleet. We also
believe that airlines will increasingly focus on these aircraft types in a high
fuel price environment, as was evident in our ability to quickly re-lease two
aircraft at favorable lease rates that were returned to us following the
bankruptcy of Aloha Airlines.

"In addition, we completed two bank financings at attractive rates. In mid-June
2008, we received funding from KfW IPEX-Bank to finance one of our Airbus
A320-200 aircraft on long-term lease to Deccan Aviation Limited and more
recently, we secured financing from HSH Nordbank AG to acquire a Boeing
767-300ER on a long-term lease to Japan Airlines International."

Mr. McMahon concluded, "With a globally-diversified portfolio of predominantly
fuel-efficient in-demand aircraft and supported by our servicing relationship
with GE Commercial Aviation Services, Genesis is well-positioned to deal with
the challenges of the current market while taking advantage of selective
opportunities to grow the portfolio further."

In line with its dividend policy, Genesis anticipates paying a dividend, subject
to board approval, for the second quarter in an amount of $0.47 per share, in
September 2008.

Aircraft Acquisition and Leasing Activities

On June 26, 2008, Genesis acquired a Boeing 767-300ER passenger aircraft,
manufactured in February 2008 and contracted on lease to Japan Airlines
International (JAL) until 2020. Following the addition of this aircraft, Genesis
has 54 aircraft in its portfolio.

During the quarter, Genesis reached a definitive agreement to lease two Boeing
737-700 aircraft to VRG Linhas Aereas S.A. (Varig), a subsidiary of GOL Airlines
in Brazil. The two aircraft were previously on lease to Aloha Airlines. The new
lease agreements are for terms of seven years at market rates higher than those
of the previous contracts. The airline is expected to take delivery of the
aircraft during the third quarter.

As of June 30, 2008, the remaining 52 aircraft in Genesis's portfolio were
subject to leases to 35 airline customers in 19 countries. Two of these aircraft
were successfully transitioned to new customers during the quarter with no
revenue downtime. All of the 52 leases are performing and generating rents, as
expected under the respective lease agreements.

All aircraft available in 2008 and with contracted lease expiries in 2009 have
been re-leased.

Historical Aircraft Portfolio Data

Date Aircraft
------------------------- ---------------
December 31, 2006 41
March 31, 2007 41
June 30, 2007 41
September 30, 2007 52
December 31, 2007 53
March 31, 2008 53
June 30, 2008 54
Financing Activities

During the quarter, Genesis secured bank facilities of $92.0 million to finance
the acquisition of a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft and to refinance an Airbus
A320-200 aircraft, respectively on long-term lease to JAL in Japan and Deccan
Aviation Limited in India.

About Genesis Lease Limited

Genesis Lease Limited is a global commercial aircraft leasing company that is
headquartered in Shannon, Ireland. Genesis acquires and leases modern,
operationally efficient passenger and cargo jet aircraft to a diverse group of
airlines throughout the world. Genesis leverages the worldwide platform of GECAS
to service its portfolio of leases, allowing management to focus on executing
its growth strategy.

Genesis's common shares, in the form of American Depositary Shares, are listed
on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GLS."

The Genesis Lease Limited logo is available at
http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4842

Conference Call and Webcast

Genesis will host a conference call and webcast for investors and analysts to
discuss its results for the quarter on Thursday, July 31, 2008, at 2:00pm (IST)
/ 9:00 am (Eastern time) / 6:00am (Pacific time).

Participants should call 877-604-9674 (United States/Canada) or 719-325-4870
(International) and request the Genesis Lease call or utilize the confirmation
code 7137514. A telephonic replay will be available for anyone unable to
participate in the live call. To access the replay, call 888-203-1112 (United
States/Canada) or 719-457-0820 (International) and enter confirmation code
7137514. The recording will be available from 12:00 pm (EDT) on July 31, 2008
through August 6, 2008 at 11:59 pm (EDT). A live broadcast of the earnings
conference call will also be available via the Internet at
http://www.genesislease.com under "Investor Relations." The webcast will be
archived on the site for one year.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking
statements may be identified by words such as "expects," "intends,"
"anticipates," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "will," or words of
similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the
outlook for the company's future business and financial performance.
Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and
assumptions, which are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in
circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may
differ materially due to global political, economic, business, competitive,
market, regulatory and other factors and risks. Genesis expressly disclaims any
obligation to update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether
because of future events, new information, a change in its views or
expectations, or otherwise.

GENESIS LEASE LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

December 31, June 30,
2007 2008
(unaudited)
------------- ------------
(USD in thousands)

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents $ 30,101 $ 57,953
Restricted cash 32,982 36,174
Accounts receivable 3,911 820
Other assets 22,555 22,918
Flight equipment under operating
leases, net 1,555,809 1,609,124
Fixed assets, net 1,024 2,240
Deferred income taxes 28,787 25,333
---------- ----------
Total Assets $1,675,169 $1,754,562
========== ==========

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Accounts payable $ 17,207 $ 20,548
Other liabilities 64,662 61,962
Debt:
Securitization notes 810,000 810,000
Credit facility 240,961 240,961
Other Loans -- 92,000
---------- ----------
Total Liabilities $1,132,830 $1,225,471
---------- ----------

Commitments and contingencies -- --

Shareholders' equity:
Par value $0.001 U.S. dollars per
share; 500,000,000 shares authorized,
36,069,069 and 36,132,499 shares
issued and outstanding at
December 31, 2007 and June 30,
2008, respectively $ 36 $ 36
Additional paid-in capital 585,411 585,580
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (28,325) (26,610)
Accumulated deficit (14,783) (29,915)
---------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity 542,339 529,091
---------- ----------
Total liabilities and shareholders'
equity $1,675,169 $1,754,562
========== ==========

GENESIS LEASE LIMITED
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
----------------- ------------------
2007 2008 2007 2008
------- ------- ------- --------
(USD in thousands )

Revenues
Rental of flight
equipment $41,508 $52,029 $81,991 $106,098
Other income 2,303 412 4,032 1,024
------- ------- ------- --------
Total revenues 43,811 52,441 86,023 107,122
------- ------- ------- --------
Expenses
Depreciation 14,113 18,955 28,195 39,052
Interest 11,682 16,643 23,288 33,422
Maintenance 151 195 151 685
Selling, general and
administrative 4,874 6,302 8,820 12,533
------- ------- ------- --------
Total operating expenses 30,820 42,095 60,454 85,692
------- ------- ------- --------
Income Before Taxes 12,991 10,346 25,569 21,430
Provision for income
taxes 1,624 1,370 3,196 2,599
------- ------- ------- --------
Net Income $11,367 $ 8,976 $22,373 18,831
======= ======= ======= ========
Basic earnings per
share $ 0.32 $ 0.25 $ 0.62 $ 0.52
======= ======= ======= ========
Diluted earnings
per share $ 0.31 $ 0.25 $ 0.62 $ 0.52
======= ======= ======= ========
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure - EBITDA

EBITDA is a measure of operating performance and liquidity that is not
calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or
GAAP. Genesis defines EBITDA as net income before provision for income taxes,
interest and depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is a key measure of Genesis's
operating performance and liquidity that management uses to focus on
consolidated operating results exclusive of expenses that relate to the
financing and capitalization of its business. Management uses EBITDA as a
financial measure to evaluate the consolidated financial and operating
performance and liquidity of the business that, when viewed with GAAP results
and the following reconciliation, provides a more complete understanding of
factors and trends affecting Genesis's business than GAAP measures alone. EBITDA
assists Genesis in comparing its operating performance on a consistent basis as
it removes the impact of its capital structure (primarily interest charges),
asset base (primarily depreciation and amortization) and items outside the
control of the management team (taxes) from its operating results. EBITDA also
assists Genesis in comparing its liquidity on a consistent basis by providing a
measure to demonstrate cash flow available for the payment of interest and
dividends. EBITDA is presented in this press release because Genesis believes
that EBITDA is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other
interested parties as a measure of financial performance and of debt service and
dividend paying capacity. Accordingly, EBITDA is one of the metrics used by
management and the board of directors to review Genesis's financial performance
and liquidity.

EBITDA should not be considered a substitute for net income, income from
operations or cash flows provided by or used in operations, as determined in
accordance with GAAP. In evaluating EBITDA, investors should be aware that in
the future Genesis may incur expenses similar to the adjustments described
above. In particular, Genesis expects that depreciation of flight equipment and
interest expense will continue to represent the substantial portion of its
operating expenses. Therefore, the use of EBITDA as a measure of operating
performance and liquidity is limited by the exclusion of a majority of Genesis's
operating expenses from the measure. The following presentation of EBITDA should
not be construed as an implication that future results will be unaffected by
expenses that are unusual, non-routine or non-recurring items. Investors are
urged to review the GAAP financial measures included in this earnings release
and Genesis's public filings, and to not rely on any single financial measure to
evaluate its business.

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO EBITDA FOR
THE THREE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2007 AND 2008

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
----------------- -----------------
2007 2008 2007 2008
------- ------- ------- -------

(USD in thousands)

Net income $11,367 $ 8,976 $22,373 $18,831
Provision for income taxes 1,624 1,370 3,196 2,599
Depreciation and amortization 14,381 19,727 28,724 41,309
Interest (i) 11,548 15,889 23,021 31,212
------- ------- ------- -------
EBITDA $38,920 $45,962 $77,314 $93,951
======= ======= ======= =======

(i) "Interest" excludes the amortization of deferred financing costs,
which are reflected under "Depreciation and amortization."
-0-
CONTACT: Genesis Lease Limited
Alan Jenkins, Chief Financial Officer
+353 61 233 300
alan.jenkins@genesislease.com

KCSA Worldwide
Jeffrey Goldberger
+1-212-896-1249
jgoldberger@kcsa.com
Marybeth Csaby
+1-212-896-1236
mcsaby@kcsa.com