Deutsche Lufthansa AG (Xetra: LHAG) has entered into an agreement for a sale and lease back of twelve short-haul aircraft. The transaction reflects the Group’s strategy to finance investments in new aircraft through a mix of cash, Japanese Operating Leases (JOLCO’s) and operating leases. The sale and lease back supports the modernization of the fleet of the Lufthansa Group Airlines. New and modern aircraft lower fuel consumption, reduce emissions, and improve ex fuel unit costs.
The transactions were executed with two counterparties, Clover Aviation Capital and long-term business partner BBAM (Babcock & Brown Aircraft Management), for the sale and lease back of twelve Airbus A320 family aircraft at favorable commercial terms. The aircraft are up to two years old and are currently operated by Lufthansa Airlines, Lufthansa CityLine and Eurowings. The sale generates proceeds of 600 million EUR in the fourth quarter of 2023, with the aircraft leased back for a term of 72 months. The resulting lease obligation is recognized as debt under IFRS 16 and amounts to 200 million EUR.
A book gain of 100 million EUR resulting from the sale will be recognized in EBIT. The book gain will not be included in Adjusted EBIT, with the transaction already included in Lufthansa Group’s financial outlook. This assumes net capex to amount between 2.5 and 3 billion EUR in 2023.
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