CORRECTED-AerCap raises earnings forecast, to buy back shares on strong leasing demand
(Corrects paragraph 2 to show guidance includes H1 gain on sale)
DUBLIN, July 31 (Reuters) - AerCap raised its full-year earnings guidance and launched a new $500 million share buyback programme on Monday after strong demand for aircraft pushed second quarter revenue at the world's largest aircraft lessor 15% higher.
AerCap expects full year adjusted earnings per share of $8.50 - $9.00, including gains on the sale of aircraft, engines and helicopters in the first half of the year but excluding any potential gain on sale in the second half.
Aercap had forecast a range of $7.00 - $7.50 in March, excluding any gains on sale.
"We continue to benefit from strong demand for our aviation assets, as well as a robust sales market," Chief Executive Officer Aengus Kelly said in a statement.
The Dublin-based company, which has a portfolio of 3,500 aircraft, engines and helicopters, said 100% of its new aircraft order book was placed with airlines through 2024. (Reporting by Padraic Halpin, Editing by Louise Heavens)
