AirAsia confirms multiple bidders for aircraft and leasing assets

AirAsia has confirmed that it has been approached by 13 potential purchasers for some of its aircraft and its aircraft leasing business, including US fund Castlelake. The carrier issued a stock exchange statement on 13 December, noting that the expressions of interest were from buyers interested in its leasing unit, Asia Aviation Capital, “and/or a number of our remaining aircraft assets.” “However, the company has not entered into any legally binding contract with any of the parties involving the sale of the leasing unit or a significant number of aircraft with values over and above the prescribed thresholds [for regulatory disclosure],” it adds. None of the other parties were identified, but it is likely to include major Chinese leasing firms such as China Everbright, Minsheng Financial Leasing and Ping-An Leasing.<br/>