04 Jul 2025
#1 July 2025: Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter
AviLease Orders Airbus A350F Freighters and A320neo Family Aircraft
AviLease has announced an initial order for 10 A350F freighters and 30 A320neo Family aircraft. The agreement, which also foresees a future increase to 22 A350F freighters and 55 A320neo Family aircraft, was signed at the 2025 Paris Airshow.
AviLease CEO Edward O’Byrne said:
“We are proud to establish an Airbus order book, strengthening our position as a full-service, investment-grade global lessor. The addition of these latest generation aircraft enhances our ability to offer modern, fuel-efficient fleet solutions to our airline partners in Saudi Arabia and around the world. We thank our local partners and Airbus for the strong long-term partnership we have established and look forward to placing these aircraft across our valued customer base.”
MUFG Announces $600 Million Senior Unsecured Term Loan Financing for Aircastle Limited and Subsidiaries
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) announced the closing of a $600 million unsecured term loan to support Aircastle Limited and subsidiaries. The facility will be used to support Aircastle’s working capital needs for general corporate purposes, including aircraft acquisitions, through April 2030.
MUFG Head of Global Aviation, Olivier Trauchessec stated:
“The transaction was executed at a time of heightened volatility, which is a testament to Aircastle’s financial strength and showcases MUFG’s ability to navigate different markets with its Aviation clients.”
HRA Completes Delivery of Three Airbus A220s to Breeze Airways
High Ridge Aviation (HRA) announced the successful completion of the delivery of all three Airbus A220-300 aircraft to Breeze Airways under the purchase-leaseback (PLB) agreement first announced in March. The two additional aircraft, MSN 55345 and 55343, were delivered from Airbus’ US production facility in Mobile, Alabama, following the initial delivery last month of MSN 55341, the 400th A220 produced by Airbus.
High Ridge Aviation CEO Greg Conlon said:
“We are proud to have successfully completed the delivery of all three Airbus A220-300 aircraft to Breeze Airways, fulfilling our commitment on this purchase-leaseback transaction.”
Acumen’s Take
On AviLease’s A350F and A320neo Order:
This landmark order cements AviLease’s evolution into a scaled platform capable of competing with the top-tier lessors on new technology placements. The A350F commitment is particularly notable, positioning AviLease to capitalise on the long-term replacement cycle in the widebody freighter segment as older 747s and MD-11s retire over the coming decade.
On Aircastle’s $600 Million Term Loan:
Aircastle’s ability to secure substantial unsecured funding in a volatile credit environment underscores its resilience and strong sponsor backing. The facility provides significant liquidity runway to support opportunistic acquisitions while maintaining balance sheet flexibility.
On High Ridge Aviation’s A220 Deliveries:
The completion of this A220 portfolio transaction demonstrates HRA’s growing role as an agile, mid-market lessor with a clear focus on next-generation narrowbodies. The A220 continues to gain momentum among North American carriers for its efficiency on thin, longer routes.
Acumen Aviation © 4 July 2025 All Rights Reserved.
