SmartLynx Airlines, based in Latvia, has announced plans to significantly adjust its fleet strategy by the end of 2025. The airline will retire its last Airbus A321F freighter and will transfer all Boeing B737-8 aircraft to sister carriers under its parent group structure by autumn 2025.
Croatia Airlines has announced plans to retire one Airbus A320, serial number 1237, during 2025 as part of its broader fleet modernization strategy. The retirement aligns with the carrier’s move to a single-type fleet centered around the Airbus A220, offering improved efficiency and operational standardization.
EJS, a UK-based aviation company, has taken delivery of an ATR72-200F aircraft, serial number 419, previously operated by Zimex Aviation of Switzerland. The aircraft is scheduled for teardown in May 2025 as part of a structured asset retirement and parts recovery initiative in collaboration with ALL4JETS, a Poland-based aviation services provider.
Southwest Airlines concluded the first quarter of 2025 with a total fleet of 800 aircraft, following the delivery of 11 Boeing 737-8s and the retirement of 14 older aircraft. This fleet reshuffle reflects the carrier’s continued strategy to modernize operations and maintain a competitive cost base while managing capacity growth carefully.
United Airlines has announced plans to retire 21 aircraft earlier than scheduled in early 2025 as part of a broader cost-saving strategy. This decision follows internal projections of lower-than-anticipated Q1 profitability, prompting the airline to optimize its operations and preserve cash. While specific aircraft types have not been disclosed, the move is expected to be cash-positive in the current fiscal year.
Iraqi Airways has officially retired its only Boeing B777-200LR, serial number 40993, equipped with powerful General Electric GE90-115B engines. The aircraft is currently parked at a storage facility in Marana, Arizona.
Azul, the Brazilian airline, has officially retired the last two Boeing 737-400F aircraft from its fleet, completing its transition away from this freighter type. The two aircraft, identified by serial numbers 28198 and 28053, have now been phased out as part of the airline’s fleet modernization strategy.
JetBlue Airways has announced tentative plans to conclude the service of its Embraer E190 fleet by 02 September 2025, marking the end of an era for these regional jets within the airline’s operations. The retirement aligns with JetBlue’s strategy to modernize its fleet with newer, more efficient aircraft.
Air Macau has announced the retirement of its A330-300 aircraft, with operations scheduled to end on 31 December 2024. The aircraft, which has been an integral part of the airline’s fleet, is leased from Air China.
Jet2, the UK-based airline, has started retiring its Boeing 757 fleet as it receives new Airbus A321neo aircraft. This transition marks a significant fleet modernization for Jet2, with the remaining six B757s expected to be completely phased out by early January 2025. The introduction of the A321neo brings operational advantages such as increased fuel efficiency and lower emissions, aligning with the airline’s…
