AerCap Sees 'Positive' Aircraft Demand, Taps Chinese FundingLast update: 11/6/2009 11:01:53 AM

By Doug Cameron
Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

CHICAGO (Dow Jones)--The head of AerCap, the aircraft leasing company, said Friday he expects airlines to start adding capacity again next year amid "positive" demand for its planes in 2010 and 2011.

Klaus Heinemann, chief executive of parent AerCap Holdings NV (AER), also said it could take delivery slots direct from manufacturers or "distressed" clients next year, when it plans to spend EUR2.5 billion on aviation assets.

"There are a few interesting situations emerging," said Chief Executive Klaus Heinemann on a call with analysts.

AerCap has a large engine and spares leasing business alongside its core aircraft unit, and Heinemann said he expected "significant" demand for spares as airlines bring back aircraft grounded during the downturn ahead of the Northern Hemisphere summer season...