04 Dec 2025
#1 December 2025: North American Aviation Newsletter
Aviation Capital Group Announces First Airbus A220 Delivery to ITA Airways
Aviation Capital Group (ACG) announced the delivery of its first Airbus A220-300 to ITA Airways, marking the beginning of a five-aircraft delivery programme scheduled over the coming months. This aircraft is also ACG’s first A220 delivered from Mirabel, Quebec, tied to its 2022 order for 20 A220s. ACG CEO Tom Baker said, “We are thrilled to welcome ITA Airways as a new customer to ACG and to support the airline’s continued transition to sustainable A220 technology for its short and medium-haul network.”
The delivery strengthens ITA Airways’ broader fleet renewal strategy, focusing on next-generation efficiency and improved operating cost performance across European routes.
Pivot Airlines Enters Lease-Purchase Agreement for Dash 8-315
Pivot Airlines confirmed it has reached a committed lease-purchase agreement with Avmax Group Inc. for a De Havilland Dash 8-315 (MSN 578). The aircraft is undergoing heavy maintenance and modification at Avmax’s Calgary MRO facility and is expected to join the airline’s fleet in late Q1 2026.
This agreement supports Pivot’s ongoing efforts to enhance regional connectivity with reliable turboprop assets well-suited to short runway operations and fluctuating passenger demand profiles.
Republic Airways and Mesa Air Group Complete Merger
Republic Airways announced the completion of its merger with Mesa Air Group following Mesa shareholder approval on 17 November 2025. Under the agreement, Republic shareholders now hold approximately 88 percent of the combined company’s common stock, while Mesa shareholders will hold between 6 and 12 percent based on final settlements.
The combined entity will operate the world’s largest Embraer E-Jet fleet with 310 aircraft and support over 1,300 daily departures. Republic Airways Inc. will continue operating CPA services for American, Delta, and United, while Mesa Airlines transitions to a new 10-year United CPA agreed in parallel with the merger.
Acumen’s Take
On ACG’s First A220 Delivery to ITA Airways
This delivery strengthens ACG’s foothold in the new-technology narrowbody leasing segment while supporting ITA’s push for cleaner, more efficient fleet operations. The A220’s performance advantages align well with European network dynamics, making this a strategically sound move for both sides.
On Pivot Airlines’ Dash 8-315 Lease-Purchase
Pivot’s lease-purchase structure reflects the continued relevance of proven turboprops in regional North American markets. Securing the aircraft through long-term ownership gives the airline greater operational stability, while Avmax’s maintenance oversight ensures predictable entry-into-service timelines.
On the Republic–Mesa Merger Completion
The merger consolidates two major regional operators at a time when scale, crew availability, and fleet depth are critical differentiators. The enlarged E-Jet platform enhances scheduling resilience for partner airlines and positions the combined company as a more robust provider of essential regional feed services.
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