vs_lhr you said 'I doubt VS just writes a cheque when they acquire new aircraft, in fact, I think most are leased, aren't they? The money that pays for aircraft comes from the revenue that aircraft generates. If you have one less aircraft, that's less money coming in. None of our aircraft are spares, afterall.'
I know VS have leased a few aircraft in the past, definately the first two 747 classics were leased. They have also leased from martinair in later on. But they own aircraft now and have 'buying rights' on 787 so that must mean they will be buying them straight from Boeing albeit making use of amortization.
I stand to be corrected if this is incorrect.
Oh yes, Paul is definately a top FSM 
Whats it time for Paul? Hot, steaming coffee 