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LONDON, Aug 14 (Reuters) - British airline easyJet
said it would continue to assess further funding opportunities
after raising an extra $266 million from the sale and leaseback
of aircraft, as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on travel
and its finances.
EasyJet has spent recent months strengthening its balance
sheet after COVID-19 halted travel, and while flying has
restarted, the pandemic is still causing restrictions with the
UK adding France to its quarantine list on Thursday.
By deterring Britons from flying to France, a major holiday
destination which joins top destination Spain on the list,
easyJet could be forced to cancel more flights.
The airline said on Friday it had raised 608 million pounds
($794 million) from a sale and leaseback plan for 23 aircraft,
at the upper end of guidance for proceeds.
"EasyJet will continue to review its liquidity position on a
regular basis and will continue to assess any further funding
opportunities," the airline said in a statement.
The latest sale and leaseback deal was for five A321neo
aircraft with Jin Shan 37 Ireland Company, a unit of BOCOMM
Leasing, in return for $266 million in cash, with the aircraft
leased back until each reaches around 10 years of age.
The deal marks the conclusion of the sale and leaseback plan
highlighted in May, easyJet said.
($1 = 0.7656 pounds)
(Reporting by Sarah Young, Editing by Paul Sandle)
