El Al, Israel’s national carrier, has announced the purchase of a Boeing 777 fuselage to bolster its spare engine availability. The acquisition, valued at $7.3 million, was made from a foreign company as part of the airline’s ongoing efforts to ensure operational reliability and efficiency.
China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (CALC), a prominent lessor based in Hong Kong, has entered into sale and purchase agreements with WWTAI Airopco 1 Bermuda for the divestment of six aircraft. The transaction, facilitated through six of CALC’s Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), is expected to be finalized by March 2025.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is actively addressing concerns related to the LEAP-1B engine, used on the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, through its standard continued operational safety process. The initiative involves close collaboration with key stakeholders, including Boeing, engine manufacturer CFM International, and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Copa Airlines (Panama) remains on track to expand its fleet, expecting the delivery of two B737 MAX 8 aircraft by the end of 2024, despite some delays. This addition will bring the airline’s total fleet to 112 aircraft by year-end. Looking ahead to 2025, Copa plans to receive 11 more MAX 8s, culminating in a fleet of 123 aircraft by the close of the year.
American Airlines, one of the leading carriers in the United States, has expanded its fleet with the delivery of a new Boeing 737-8, identified by serial number 44494. The aircraft is powered by LEAP-1B25 engines, known for their fuel efficiency and advanced performance capabilities.
Allegiant (US) has expanded its fleet with the delivery of a Boeing 737-8200, identified by serial number 68005. The aircraft is powered by LEAP-1B27 engines, known for their fuel efficiency and advanced performance capabilities.
Tony Fernandes, co-founder of AirAsia (Malaysia), has expressed skepticism about the practicality of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), calling it an idea that “makes absolutely no sense.” Instead, Fernandes advocates for the aviation industry to focus on adopting new-technology aircraft and engines to achieve sustainability goals.
Phoenix Aviation Capital (Ireland) and AIP Capital (US) have jointly announced the acquisition of a Boeing 787-9, identified by serial number 40646. The aircraft is on a long-term lease with American Airlines (US) and was purchased from ORIX Aviation (Ireland).
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, is set to deliver two Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to support the launch of Air Congo, a new joint venture airline in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The new airline is scheduled to begin operations in December 2024.
China Southern Airlines has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to qualified purchasers for the sale of 10 owned Boeing 787-8 aircraft and two GEnx-1B70/P2 spare engines. The aircraft and engines are scheduled for delivery to successful bidders during 2025 and 2026. The deadline for submitting bids is November 25, 2024.
