LONDON, June 26 (Reuters) - British low-cost airline easyJet
said it strengthened its finances by $255 million through the
sale and leaseback of six A320neo aircraft with leasing firm
SMBC Aviation Capital.
EasyJet on Thursday raised 419 million pounds through an
equity raise to help boost its liquidity to 3 billion pounds as
part of its efforts to try to survive the travel slump caused by
the coronavirus pandemic.
The funds raised through the sale and leaseback announced on
Friday make up part of the anticipated 500 million to 650
million pounds that easyJet said in May it could raise from
aircraft sales.
SMBC Aviation will be easyJet's preferred partner if it
decides to sell other aircraft in the next 18 months. The
aircraft involved in Friday's deal have been leased back for
terms of between 110 and 122 months.
(Reporting by Sarah Young; editing by Guy Faulconbridge)