Mikhail Minaev, the former fleet planning director at Aeroflot, is facing criminal charges over an alleged US$48.7 million fraud scheme related to aircraft leasing contracts. The case involves leasing transactions for 28 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft signed between 2016 and 2018, when Minaev held a senior position in the airline’s fleet acquisition division.
Vietravel Airlines, a Vietnamese hybrid carrier, has expanded its narrowbody fleet with the delivery of an Airbus A321, bearing serial number 6672. The aircraft is powered by V2533-A5 engines, manufactured by IAE (International Aero Engines), supporting the airline’s plans for regional growth and increased route frequency.
Avolon, one of the world’s leading aircraft lessors based in Ireland, has released its operational results for the second quarter of 2025, highlighting dynamic portfolio activity and a growing footprint. During the quarter, Avolon acquired 15 aircraft, sold 20 aircraft, and placed 26 aircraft from its orderbook, showcasing its active asset management strategy and strong demand for its fleet offerings.
VietJet Air, a prominent Vietnamese low-cost carrier, has lost a legal battle in a London court and is now liable to pay $181 million to FW Aviation (UK) for breaching aircraft lease agreements involving Airbus A321 aircraft. The court ruled that the termination notices served by FW Aviation were valid and enforceable, ending VietJet’s challenge.
Vietnam Airlines has outlined an ambitious fleet restructuring plan that includes the retirement of 12 aircraft in 2025, as well as the acquisition of 50 Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled from 2030 to 2035. The airline is also actively pursuing additional widebody aircraft for delivery before 2030, as it aims to expand and modernize its fleet to meet long-term demand.
Air Senegal is facing legal and operational complications following the freezing of $3.1 million of its funds by IATA, enforced under a court order stemming from a leasing dispute with Carlyle Aviation Partners, an Ireland-based aircraft lessor. The issue revolves around the return of four aircraft—two Airbus A319s and two A321s—to the lessor.
Vietravel Airlines, a Vietnamese carrier operating under the tourism-focused Vietravel Group, has received formal approval from its shareholders to increase its charter capital to $100 million. This significant move aims to bolster the airline’s financial foundation and support expansion efforts amid the region’s ongoing aviation recovery.
Southwind Airlines, based in Türkiye, has expanded its narrowbody fleet with the delivery of an Airbus A321, carrying manufacturer serial number (MSN) 3106. The aircraft is powered by V2533-A5 engines, produced by International Aero Engines (IAE), and has been acquired on lease, reinforcing the airline’s growth trajectory in the regional and leisure travel markets.
Nouvelair, the Tunisian leisure carrier, has expanded its operational capacity by adding one Airbus A321, with manufacturer serial number (MSN) 3636, under a wet lease agreement with Spanish operator Privilege Style. This fleet addition comes in preparation for increased seasonal demand, particularly during the busy summer period.
LATAM Brasil, the Brazilian arm of the LATAM Airlines Group, has taken delivery of a new Airbus A321neo, marked by manufacturer serial number 12688. The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1133G-JM geared turbofan engines and will support LATAM’s continued modernization and efficiency-focused growth strategy across South America.
