02 May 2025
#1 May 2025: Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter
AerCap Releases 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report, Marks 50 Years in Aviation
AerCap has published its eighth annual Corporate Responsibility Report, detailing its 2024 environmental, social, and governance (ESG) achievements in line with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards. Marking its 50th year in aviation, AerCap reported the purchase of 150 assets (including 92 fuel-efficient aircraft) and the sale of 166 assets (including 98 aircraft with an average age of 15.3 years). These moves improved Scope 3 emissions intensity by 2%, reinforcing AerCap’s role as a key driver of global fleet decarbonisation. CEO Aengus Kelly reaffirmed the company’s commitment to investing responsibly, having channelled $55 billion into new-technology aircraft over the past decade—more than any other lessor or airline.
AviLease and Turkish Airlines Sign Eight-Aircraft A320neo Lease Agreement
AviLease has entered a long-term lease deal with Turkish Airlines for eight Airbus A320neo aircraft, with two already delivered and the remaining six scheduled for delivery through 2025. CEO Edward O’Byrne described the agreement as a reflection of AviLease’s growing strategic presence in narrowbody leasing, and its alignment with Turkish Airlines’ goals for fleet modernisation and sustainability. The deal strengthens the relationship between a major flag carrier and one of the industry’s newer, fast-scaling lessors.
NAC Sells Two ATR72-600s to AviaAM Leasing
Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) has sold two ATR 72-600 turboprops to AviaAM Leasing, a global platform specialising in customised leasing and trading solutions. The transaction is part of NAC’s broader effort to rebalance its turboprop portfolio, while supporting AviaAM’s expansion into the regional aircraft segment, particularly in markets with growing demand for low-cost, short-haul capacity.
SMBC Aviation Capital Closes 737 MAX 8 SLB Deal with Arajet
SMBC Aviation Capital has agreed to a sale-and-leaseback (SLB) transaction involving five Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with Dominican Republic-based Arajet, scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027. This is SMBC’s first deal with Arajet, marking the beginning of what it expects to be a long-term partnership. Conor Stafford, Head of Airline Marketing, noted the transaction as an example of SMBC’s tailored leasing strategy for emerging market carriers and a sign of continued demand for the MAX platform in the LCC space.
Acumen’s Take
On AerCap’s 2024 ESG Report
AerCap continues to set the bar high for sustainable fleet management, investing aggressively in fuel-efficient aircraft while responsibly phasing out ageing assets. Its 2024 ESG results validate its approach as both commercially sound and environmentally strategic, especially as airlines face intensifying decarbonisation targets.
On AviLease’s Turkish Airlines Deal
This agreement underscores AviLease’s rising credibility among top-tier global carriers. By supporting Turkish Airlines’ fleet refresh, AviLease strengthens its position in the narrowbody segment while contributing to global progress toward net-zero aviation.
On NAC’s ATR Sale to AviaAM
The sale of two ATR72-600s to AviaAM reflects the vibrancy of the regional leasing market, especially for turboprops, which are ideal for short-haul, cost-sensitive networks. Acumen sees this as a tactical portfolio refinement for NAC, while giving AviaAM an entry point into high-demand segments.
On SMBC’s Lease Deal with Arajet
This deal exemplifies how established lessors are increasingly backing growth-focused LCCs in emerging regions. The 737 MAX 8 continues to prove attractive to airlines prioritising efficiency, range, and scalability, and Arajet’s inclusion in SMBC’s customer list signals a mutually beneficial growth trajectory.
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