Virgin Australia is grappling with rising maintenance expenses as delays in aircraft deliveries from Boeing force the carrier to keep older aircraft in service longer than anticipated. The airline, which has been undergoing a post-pandemic recovery and modernization plan, has extended some of its existing leases to maintain operational capacity. This decision, however, has increased short-term costs, given…
Swiftair S.A. is preparing to expand its cargo capabilities with the upcoming delivery of its first Boeing 737-800BDSF, a 2004-vintage aircraft converted into freighter configuration by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The unit is being dry leased from World Star Aviation, a global lessor active in the freighter leasing segment.
Jeju Air’s catastrophic Boeing 737-800 crash in December 2024 has officially entered the record books as one of South Korea’s deadliest aviation disasters, with 179 fatalities. Preliminary findings from the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) have revealed that the sequence of events leading to the crash stemmed from a critical pilot error following a bird strike.
Norwegian has finalized a 10-year senior secured debt facility to support the acquisition of three mid-life Boeing 737-800 aircraft, further strengthening its single-aisle fleet for upcoming growth. The deal is expected to close during the third quarter of 2025 and underscores the airline’s strategy to own more of its fleet, reducing dependency on leases.
Alaska Airlines is set to take delivery of its first three Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in the coming weeks, all configured with 161 seats, including an increased number of first class seats. The deliveries represent the first step in a broader fleet and cabin upgrade initiative that will continue into 2026.
Lufthansa Technik (Germany) and Hebei Airlines (China) have strengthened their long-term cooperation with a comprehensive Engine Maintenance Services contract focused on CFM56-7B engines used in the airline’s Boeing 737-800 fleet. This agreement reinforces Lufthansa Technik’s role as a key MRO provider for Chinese carriers, ensuring high operational reliability and cost-efficient maintenance solutions.
Sriwijaya Air, a leading Indonesian carrier, has expanded its fleet with the delivery of a Boeing 737-800, identified by serial number 29676. The aircraft is on wet lease from BBN Airlines Indonesia and is powered by CFM56-7B26 engines.
Red Sea Airlines, a growing Egyptian carrier, has expanded its fleet with the acquisition of a Boeing 737-800, identified by serial number 30708, on lease from AerCap (Ireland). The airline is pursuing an ambitious expansion plan, targeting a fleet of five aircraft by mid-2025 and eight by 2027, with potential future additions of B737-8s.
Libyan Express has expanded its fleet with the delivery of a Boeing 737-800, identified by serial number 34948, acquired from Buraq Air, another Libya-based airline. The addition of this aircraft marks a strategic move to bolster Libyan Express’ operational capacity and route network.
AviaAM Leasing, a Lithuania-based aircraft leasing company, has announced the successful sale of a Boeing 737-800 to a US-based partner. This transaction is part of the lessor’s impressive 2024 portfolio, which saw the completion of 39 projects, including 18 acquisitions, 17 sales, and 4 leases.
