SAUSALITO, Calif., Feb. 20, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Lease Finance
Corporation (Nasdaq:WLFC), a leading lessor of commercial jet engines, today
announced that Aloha Airlines has joined the North American engine sharing
agreement. Members in the pooling arrangement include American Airlines,
Southwest Airlines, WestJet and Alaska Airlines covering CFM56-7B engines used
to power Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft. The North American pool, now with
the addition of Aloha Airlines, represents over 500 aircraft to be serviced by
the pool.
"The addition of Aloha Airlines to the North American engine sharing program
brings another important market into our service area for pooled assets," said
Charles F. Willis, President and CEO. "We are delighted to welcome Aloha
Airlines into the pooling program."
"The Willis North American Pooling program offers superior logistical advantages
for both mainland and island support for our aircraft. The expanded availability
of reliable equipment for emergency and planned maintenance is expected to
provide further efficiencies for our fleet," said Russell Ryan, Fleet Manager
for Aloha Airlines.
"As we add members to our pooling program, we can collectively improve spare
engine productivity and provide for expanded availability of spare engines for
all members," said Dave Tegeler, V.P. North America for Willis Lease. "As the
CFM engines mature, we expect demand for spares to increase substantially over
the next few years."
About Willis Lease
Willis Lease Finance Corporation leases spare commercial aircraft engines,
parts, and aircraft to commercial airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and
maintenance, repair and overhaul providers. These leasing activities are
integrated with the purchase and resale of used and refurbished commercial
aircraft engines.
About Aloha Airlines
Aloha Airlines has been serving Hawaii with pride since 1946. Aloha serves the
major airports in Hawaii and links the Islands with Oakland, Sacramento, Orange
County and San Diego, California; and Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada. Aloha has been
recognized by U.S. Department of Transportation monthly reports as one of the
most punctual airlines in the United States. For the year 2007, Aloha had the
fewest customer complaints of any airline. Aloha's inflight service has earned
Top 10 rankings for domestic airlines from Conde Nast Traveler and
Travel+Leisure magazines.
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CONTACT: Willis Lease Finance Corporation
Charles Willis, Chief Executive Officer
(415) 275-5100
