Chorus Aviation announces a sale-leaseback transaction with IndiGo, for six new ATR72-600 aircraft

Third-party leased aircraft fleet commitments reach US $1.1 billion

Delivering regional aviation to the world

HALIFAX, June 13, 2019 /CNW/ - Chorus Aviation Inc. ('Chorus') (TSX: CHR) announced today that Chorus Aviation Capital ('CAC') has entered into agreements to deliver six new ATR72-600 aircraft to InterGlobe Aviation Limited ('IndiGo') of India under a sale and leaseback transaction. Deliveries are anticipated in the second and third quarters of 2019.

"We are delighted to welcome IndiGo, as our 14^th lease customer," said Steve Ridolfi, President, Chorus Aviation Capital. "The Indian aviation market is vibrant and dynamic with regional air transportation expanding rapidly to connect previously unserved communities. IndiGo is perfectly positioned to capitalize on this exciting growth. This is Chorus Aviation Capital's second leasing transaction this year in India, one of the world's fastest growing aviation markets."

"We're maturing and building scale as a worldwide regional aircraft lessor through the addition of yet another well-established lessee," commented Joe Randell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chorus. "This latest transaction expands Chorus Aviation Capital's leasing portfolio to 56¹ aircraft worth some US $1.1 billion and with US $830.0 million in future contracted lease revenue."

Upon the completion of this transaction, CAC's announced portfolio commitments include 44 turboprops and 12 regional jets. When combined with the 47 aircraft leased under the Capacity Purchase Agreement with Air Canada, Chorus' fleet of leased aircraft comprises 103 aircraft valued at approximately US $1.7 billion.

About Chorus Aviation Capital

Established in 2017, Chorus Aviation Capital currently has relationships with 14 regional airlines based in 13 countries. CAC is focused on building a portfolio of new and mid-life regional aircraft, while leveraging the synergies inherent among its affiliated companies to provide a full suite of regional aviation services.

About Chorus

Headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Chorus was incorporated on September 27, 2010. Chorus' vision is to deliver regional aviation to the world. Chorus has been leasing its owned regional aircraft into Jazz's Air Canada Express operation since 2011, and established Chorus Aviation Capital to become a leading, global provider of regional aircraft leases.  Chorus also owns Jazz Aviation LP and Voyageur Aviation Corp. – companies that have long histories of safe and solid operations that deliver excellent customer service in the areas of contract flying operations, engineering, fleet management, and maintenance, repair and overhaul.  Together, the Chorus group of companies can provide a full suite of regional aviation support services. Chorus Class A Variable Voting Shares and Class B Voting Shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol 'CHR'. www.chorusaviation.com

About IndiGo

IndiGo is amongst the fastest growing carriers in the world. IndiGo has a simple philosophy: offer low fares and on-time, courteous, hassle-free service. With its fleet of over 200 aircraft, the airline offers around 1400 daily flights and connects 54 domestic destinations and 19 international destinations.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release may contain 'forward-looking information'. Forward-looking information is identified by the use of terms and phrases such as "anticipate", "believe", "could", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "plan", "predict", "potential", "pending", "project", "will", "would", and similar terms and phrases. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking information. Actual results may differ materially from results indicated in forward-looking information for a number of reasons, including the failure to close the pending transactions referenced in this news release on the terms and conditions currently contemplated by Chorus, or at all, as well the risk factors identified in Chorus' Annual Information Form dated February 21, 2019 and in Chorus' public disclosure record available at www.sedar.com. Statements containing forward-looking information in this news release represent Chorus' expectations as of the date of this news release (or as of the date they are otherwise stated to be made) and are subject to change after such date. Chorus disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws.

_____________________
¹ Figure includes ten previously announced transactions pending completion.

SOURCE Chorus Aviation Inc.

Chorus Media Contacts: Manon Stuart, Halifax, Nova Scotia, [phone], [email protected]; Debra Williams, Toronto, Ontario, [phone], [email protected]; Analyst Contact: Nathalie Megann, Halifax, Nova Scotia, [phone] [email protected]

Related Links

www.chorusaviation.ca