Air India Express, the budget airline subsidiary of India’s flagship carrier, has entered into definitive engine sale/leaseback agreements with Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC), a prominent player in the aviation engine leasing market based in the US. This agreement pertains to 26 CFM56-7B engines installed on 13 of its Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Boeing, the aerospace giant, is taking steps to withdraw from a previous agreement to plead guilty in a high-profile criminal case. This case charged Boeing with deceiving aviation regulators about the safety features of its B737 MAXaircraft, which was linked to two deadly crashes that tragically claimed 346 lives.
SolitAir, based in the UAE, has recently expanded its cargo fleet capabilities by taking delivery of a Boeing 737-800BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter). This aircraft, bearing serial number 33023, has been acquired on a wet lease from ASL Aviation Holdings, a prominent Ireland-based aviation services company.
Aviation Capital Group (ACG), a prominent US-based aircraft leasing company, has announced the delivery of a Boeing 737-8 aircraft to Air India Express. This aircraft, featuring advanced LEAP-1B engines, represents the final delivery scheduled under a multiple-aircraft sale-leaseback (SLB) transaction agreed upon between ACG and Air India Express.
ETF Airways, based in Croatia, has initiated a wet lease arrangement with Sky Alps of Italy, involving a Boeing B737-800 aircraft, serial number 30667. This aircraft will operate on the route between Verona and Dusseldorf, enhancing Sky Alps’ capacity on this international route.
Korean Air is nearing the finalization of a major $32.7 billion agreement that will significantly expand and modernize its long-haul fleet. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) includes the acquisition of 20 Boeing B777-9 and 20 Boeing B787-10 aircraft, with options for 10 additional aircraft and up to ten spare engines.
Aeroitalia has confirmed plans to expand its fleet with the addition of two more B737-800 aircraft scheduled for delivery by May 2025. The move is aimed at strengthening the Italian carrier’s operational capacity ahead of the critical summer travel season.
Brian West, Chief Financial Officer of Boeing, recently addressed concerns regarding the Trump administration’s tariffs on imported goods, particularly aluminum and steel, stating that the company does not foresee a “material near-term impact” from these tariffs.
US-based carrier Southwest Airlines has officially taken delivery of a new Boeing B737-8, serial number 68626, powered by advanced CFM International LEAP-1B28 engines. This aircraft addition further supports Southwest’s ongoing strategy for fleet modernization and operational efficiency.
US-based aircraft leasing firm Crestone Air Partners has announced the acquisition of two Boeing B737-800 aircraft, including one passenger version leased to UK-based leisure airline TUI, and one Boeing B737-800BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter) leased to Bulgarian operator Compass Air Cargo.
