Awas, the aircraft leasing company owned by British private equity firm Terra Firma, is working on a break-up that could value the Dublin-based lessor at roughly $13bn (€9.7bn).

Singapore Airlines Ltd said its July-September profit fell 36% as fuel costs boosted expenditures. The airline warned passenger demand may drop next year.

Singapore Airlines Ltd, Asia’s most profitable carrier, agreed to buy 31 Boeing 777 aircraft worth more than $7 billion (€5.78bn) as it tries to win long-haul passengers from Emirates and Cathay Pacific.

SINGAPORE authorities said yesterday it was too early to say its outbreak of the deadly SARS virus had peaked, and braced the nation for higher unemployment as visitor arrivals plunged and a major regional airline fired staff.

Singapore Airlines Ltd says it has placed an order for 20 Boeing B777-200 aircraft worth $4.0 billion (over £2.7 billion).