Riyadh Air (Saudi Arabia) is gearing up for the arrival of its first Boeing 787-9, identified by serial number 41544. The leased aircraft is a significant addition to Riyadh Air’s growing fleet and will initially be utilized as a technical spare and for crew training purposes.
Korean Air appears to be evaluating the possibility of operating its Airbus A380 fleet beyond the previously announced retirement year of 2026. Recent developments include sending several of its A380 superjumbos to Lufthansa Technik Philippines for D-checks, a major maintenance procedure required for long-term operational readiness.
Eastern Air Holdings (US) has announced plans to reactivate an ex-iAero B737-300F, bearing serial number 23538. This freighter aircraft will soon be placed on the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) of the company’s subsidiary, Eastern Air Express.
China United Airlines has expanded its fleet with the delivery of a B737-800, bearing serial number 37888. The aircraft is on lease and is powered by CFM56-7B26 engines, which are renowned for their efficiency and reliability in short- and medium-haul operations.
AFI KLM E&M and CFM International (US) have signed an agreement to purchase up to 10 spare LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines. These engines will bolster AFI KLM E&M’s portfolio of LEAP Premier MRO services, enabling the company to provide comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul solutions to airline customers globally.
Aero Contractors (Nigeria) has announced its plans to expand its fleet, targeting a total of five CRJ1000s and five Boeing 737NGs. This ambitious move is backed by financial support from new investors, showcasing renewed confidence in the airline’s growth potential.
Aergo Capital (Ireland) has completed the sale of three DHC8-400 aircraft to Avmax Aircraft Leasing (Canada). The aircraft, with serial numbers 4323, 4332, and 4380, are part of Aergo Capital’s strategic fleet management, demonstrating its ability to successfully transition assets to new owners.
Lufthansa has successfully issued an unsecured euro hybrid bond with a total volume of US$515 million (approximately €475 million). This bond is part of Lufthansa’s financial strategy to maintain liquidity and strengthen its financial position. The bond bears an interest rate of 5.25% per annum and has a term of 30 years, demonstrating Lufthansa’s confidence in its long-term stability and growth.
Azul (Brazil) is reportedly on the verge of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Abra Group (UK)in the coming weeks, paving the way for a potential merger with GOL (Brazil). This move could mark a significant shift in Brazil’s aviation market, bringing together two major carriers to create a dominant player in the region.
Shanghai Airlines (China) has announced the launch of a new route connecting Shanghai Pudong to Casablanca, starting on January 19, 2025. This service will be operated using the modern and efficient Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
