US Government signals increased financial support for aircraft manufacturing
Financial difficulties continue to surface as US Government signals increased financial support for aircraft manufacturing.

January sees new year begin with positive resolve
Despite uncertainties, a mood of innovation characterises transactions in all regions. ILFC expands Asian presence; Waha's activity strong, despite a dive in earnings; Qantas deals with downgrade; GECAS expands ATR business; Etihad seals engine sale; EADS and Airbus looks to US production, as AMR seeks 20 p.c. wage bill cut, in next round of its financial restoration.

Is shipping a warning signal for aircraft assets?
Aircraft manufacturers have reported record order books over the past two years. Senior executives in the leasing sector, have been cautious about the rate of production being planned by OEMs in response to order flow in recent years. The aircraft market should perhaps take heed of developments in recent years in the shipping sector where a glut of new capacity ordered in the period up to 2008 saw significant downward pressure on prices as demand failed to match supply.

Lessor fallout from Spanair and Malev collapses
The fall of Spanair and concerns surrounding Hungarian airline Malev will leave some lessors exposed as 29 aircraft may become available for re-lease at a time when the market for second hand narrow bodies has weakened.