ILFC Repays Loans Backed by US Government in Full and Three Years Early

Published on Monday, 23 August 2010 08:57 Written by TradersHuddle Staff

LOS ANGELES-( Business Wire )-

International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG), announced today that it completed the sale of $4.4 billion in secured and unsecured notes and used the bulk of the proceeds to repay in full $3.9 billion in loans extended to ILFC by AIG Funding, Inc. from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (FRBNY).

The repayment strengthens ILFC’s financial position by releasing approximately $10 billion of collateral previously pledged to the FRBNY. The new debt is divided into four smaller maturities with payments that are now due in later years, enhancing ILFC’s flexibility as it moves forward. These notes issuances, along with previous debt issuances, aircraft sales and extensions of debt maturities, bring the total liquidity raised by ILFC in the last five months to more than $12.5 billion.

ILFC Chief Executive Officer, Henri Courpron commented, “On behalf of the entire ILFC team, I want to express our appreciation to the U.S. government and to our parent company AIG for extending this temporary yet critical assistance to ILFC.” “The market has once again given ILFC a vote of confidence,” AIG CEO Robert Benmosche said. “This capital raise, combined with the capital raises earlier this year, demonstrates that ILFC is getting stronger with each passing day. ILFC has made substantial and impressive progress in dealing with its liquidity needs.”

“These note offerings, which were increased from $2.5 to $4.4 billion, are a direct reflection of our company’s viability and future prospects as a leader in leasing aircraft to the world’s airlines,” said Courpron.

“With more than $13 billion in new and advanced aircraft on order, ILFC has the momentum to continue to serve the commercial aviation market at a time when the opportunity for future growth is most promising,” Courpron said. “My sincere appreciation to all the employees of ILFC that have remained committed to our business through supporting each other and servicing our customers.”

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect ILFC’s current views with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Except for ILFC’s ongoing obligation to disclose material information as required by federal securities laws, it does not intend to update you concerning any future revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof.

About ILFC

ILFC is the international market leader in the leasing and remarketing of advanced technology commercial jet aircraft to airlines around the world. ILFC owns a portfolio consisting of approximately 950 jet aircraft.

About AIG

American International Group, Inc. (AIG) is a leading international insurance organization with operations in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions. AIG companies serve commercial, institutional and individual customers through one the most extensive worldwide property-casualty networks of any insurer. In addition, AIG companies are leading providers of life insurance and retirement services around the world. AIG common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, as well as the stock exchanges in Ireland and Tokyo.

ILFC Media RelationsPaul Thibeau, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.