01 Aug 2025

#1 August 2025: Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter

ACIA Aero Leasing Signs Agreement for Sale of First ATR 72-600 LCD Freighter to FedEx

ACIA Aero Leasing announced that they have signed a definitive agreement for the sale of an ATR 72-600 LCD (Large Cargo Door) freighter (MSN1239) to FedEx. This is the first ever 72-600 passenger aircraft to undergo conversion to a freighter. ACIA had speculatively launched the -600 series conversion programme in 2024. The aircraft will be delivered to FedEx by December 2025 and enter FedEx operations thereafter.

Avolon Places Order for 90 Airbus Aircraft

Avolon announced an order with Airbus for 75 A321neo aircraft and 15 A330neo aircraft. The new aircraft are scheduled for delivery through to 2033. The order brings Avolon’s Airbus commitments to 413 aircraft, all of which are from the A320neo and A330neo new technology families.
The agreement includes purchase rights for 25 more A321neos and options for 15 additional A330neos.
Avolon CEO, Andy Cronin, commented:

“This order demonstrates our strong confidence in the long-term demand for new aircraft. Our scale and balance sheet position us to support our airline customers’ expansion and replacement needs into the next decade. Both the A321neo and A330neo are in high demand, and we expect this to continue given the long-term growth trajectory for the aviation sector. We are delighted to be expanding and extending our long-term partnership with Airbus with this order.”

Jackson Square Aviation (JSA) Delivers Boeing 737-800 Aircraft to Jettime

Jackson Square Aviation (JSA) announced the delivery of a 737-800 aircraft to Danish charter and wet leasing company Jettime. The aircraft will support Jettime's growth in the Nordic and European charter and wet lease market, and marks JSA’s first lease customer in Denmark.
JSA SVP Head of EMEA Marketing, Daniel McGrath, said:

“We are very pleased to welcome Jettime to the JSA Portfolio and look forward to supporting the airline in the years ahead.”
Hugo Kean, Director EMEA Marketing, added:
“We are delighted to partner with the Danish airline Jettime on this transaction and welcome our newest customer. We are excited to support Jettime’s fleet expansion as the airline increases its flight offerings in the Nordic and European ACMI and charter market.”

Acumen’s Take

On ACIA’s First ATR 72-600 LCD Sale to FedEx

This landmark deal positions ACIA as a first mover in the ATR 72-600 LCD conversion space, a niche with rising demand in regional express cargo. FedEx’s commitment adds credibility to the programme, and if successful, could unlock further conversions and sales across secondary markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America where turboprop freighters thrive.

On Avolon’s 90-Aircraft Order

Avolon’s new order is strategically timed to secure capacity amid persistent long lead times and rising demand for fuel-efficient aircraft. With options and purchase rights factored in, this could eventually translate to a 130-aircraft deal, reinforcing Avolon’s long-term growth and further cementing its top-tier position among global lessors. The exclusive focus on A321neo and A330neo reflects a clear tilt toward fleet rationalisation and high-utilisation assets.

On JSA’s 737-800 Placement with Jettime

Jettime’s induction into JSA’s customer base signals growing leasing interest in the ACMI and charter segment, particularly in Europe. For JSA, it opens new geographic ground in Scandinavia and highlights flexibility in deploying mid-life assets like the 737-800 in high-demand secondary markets. Given the continued constraints in new narrowbody deliveries, the timing of this placement is commercially astute.

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