Singapore Airlines' leasing operation yesterday announced its shopping list of up to 40 Boeing 737-800 planes, according to a Channel News Asia report at night.

Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE) chalked up the deal of 20 firm orders and 20 purchase rights worth more than US$2.6 billion at current price.

As SALE's first direct order with Boeing for the Next- Generation 737 product line, the planes will be delivered between the fourth quarter of 2006 and the end of 2009.

SALE said that the purchase will help diversify its portfolio to meet the increasing demand for leased aircraft and strengthen its global business.

Apart from the Boeing deal, 11 Airbus A320s are scheduled to join SALE's fleet by the end of the second quarter of 2006, the company's statement added.

(eastday.com March 23, 2005)