AFG Aviation Ireland Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aircraft Finance Germany GmbH, has announced the successful acquisition of a used Airbus A320 aircraft, identified by manufacturer serial number (MSN) 5050, from Royal Air Charter Service Inc. The transaction highlights AFG’s continued commitment to asset growth and active portfolio management within the commercial aircraft leasing sector.
Brussels Airlines has become the launch customer within the Lufthansa Group for a newly developed virtual reality (VR) pilot training system, designed specifically for Airbus A320 type rating. The system was developed over a two-year collaboration between Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) and Airbus, and it now forms an integral part of pilot instruction for the Belgian carrier.
Parata Air, a startup airline based in South Korea, is preparing to commence commercial operations in September 2025, following expected approval of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC). The airline will begin with a fleet of four aircraft, comprising both widebody and narrowbody types through leasing arrangements.
Nepal Airlines has now repaid $3.9 million in loan installments tied to the financing of its commercial aircraft fleet, consisting of two narrowbody and two widebody aircraft. This repayment is part of the carrier’s obligations from loans obtained for the acquisition of these aircraft during an earlier fleet modernization phase.
Airbus has committed to providing an additional $94 million in financial support to Spirit AeroSystems, increasing its total assistance to the U.S.-based aerostructures manufacturer to $152 million. This move comes amid efforts to stabilize production and supply chain challenges that have impacted major aircraft programs, particularly the A220 and A320neo families for which Spirit is a key supplier.
SmartLynx Airlines, a Latvia-based ACMI and charter specialist, has entered into a wet lease agreement with Vietnam Airlines, extending its growing presence in the Southeast Asian market. Although the aircraft type and duration of the agreement have not been disclosed, the deal signifies further expansion of SmartLynx’s global leasing footprint.
Mauritania Airlines has commenced operations with an Airbus A321, manufacturer serial number (MSN) 3522, under a wet lease agreement with SmartLynx Airlines, a Latvia-based ACMI and charter provider. This new lease replaces a previously operated Airbus A320, MSN 3880, which was returned to the same lessor.
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has announced plans to increase its operational capacity by 40% in 2025, seizing the opportunity created by Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s decision to exit the market. The expansion is part of a broader regional growth strategy aimed at solidifying Air Arabia’s market position in the UAE’s competitive low-cost segment.
Spring Airlines has received approval from the Shanghai Stock Exchange for its planned issuance of a US$278 million public bond, signaling a key step in the airline’s strategy to strengthen its balance sheet and secure additional capital for operational and expansion purposes.
China Southern has taken delivery of a new Airbus A320neo, bearing serial number 12736, as part of its ongoing fleet modernization efforts. The aircraft is powered by CFM International LEAP-1A26 engines, which offer significant performance and efficiency advantages over previous-generation powerplants.
