GE Capital Aviation Services has signed a commitment for 42 Airbus A320-family transports, including its first-ever order for the 107-passenger A318.

Deliveries of the 30 A318s and 12 A320s will start in early 2004 and mid-2003, respectively. When the order is finalized GECAS will have over 250 Airbuses in its portfolio, both in operation and on order.

Kuwait Finance House, a leading Islamic financial institution, disclosed its intention to purchase four A320-200s for its aircraft leasing arm, Aviation Lease and Finance Co. When the sale is finalized it will be worth about $200 million, according to Airbus.

By Paul Proctor