07 Aug 2025
#2 August 2025: North American Aviation Newsletter
Avelo Airlines Orders Additional VCT Finlets Following 18 Months of Proven Success in Fuel Savings and Emissions Reduction
Avelo Airlines has placed a follow-on order for additional Finlets from Seattle-based Vortex Control Technologies (VCT), reinforcing its continued investment in sustainable operations and cementing its reputation as a leader in operational efficiency and carbon reduction.
Avelo currently flies Finlets on all of its 737NG aircraft. Since the first installation in January 2025, the airline has achieved consistent fuel savings and significant emissions reductions across both its 737-700 and 737-800 fleets.
Andrew Levy, Chairman and CEO of Avelo Airlines, said:
“Over the past year and a half, VCT’s Finlets have delivered on every promise—from reducing our carbon emissions to lowering our operating costs. This next phase of installations is a direct result of the confidence we’ve gained through real-world performance. It’s a smart investment in our business and the environment.”
Aviation Capital Group Announces Delivery of One Boeing 737-8 MAX to Virgin Australia
Aviation Capital Group (ACG) has announced the delivery of one Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft to Virgin Australia. This marks the second of three aircraft scheduled for delivery to the carrier from ACG’s order book with Boeing.
Azorra to Acquire 13 Embraer E190 Airframes and 36 CF34-10 Engines from JetBlue
Azorra has signed a Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with JetBlue to acquire 13 Embraer E190 airframes and 36 General Electric CF34-10E6 engines. Deliveries began in July 2025 and are scheduled to continue through Q2 2026.
John Evans, CEO of Azorra, commented:
“We’re excited to once again partner with JetBlue on this transaction, which reinforces our commitment to the Embraer E-Jet family and GE’s CF34-10 engines. It underscores our confidence in the performance, reliability, long-term value, and continued demand for these assets, while advancing our mission to deliver innovative, value-driven powerplant solutions to customers worldwide.”
JetBlue and United Complete DOT Review of Blue Sky Collaboration
JetBlue and United have completed the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) review of their Blue Sky collaboration, paving the way for implementation.
Blue Sky is a new strategic alliance intended to provide customers of both airlines with expanded flight options and greater flexibility to earn and redeem MileagePlus miles and TrueBlue points across both networks.
The collaboration will roll out in phases starting this autumn. As part of the arrangement, JetBlue will provide United access to up to seven daily round-trip slots at JFK Terminal 6 beginning as early as 2027. Additionally, both airlines will exchange eight flight timings at Newark in a net-neutral slot exchange.
Acumen’s Take
On Avelo Airlines’ Expansion of Finlet Installations
Avelo’s move to deepen its commitment to Finlets is a strong endorsement of fuel-saving aerodynamic tech. As operational efficiency and emissions reduction take centre stage in fleet strategy, solutions like VCT’s Finlets demonstrate tangible ROI. For lessors and operators alike, this signals a growing readiness across the North American market to integrate low-capex sustainability upgrades that extend aircraft life and improve margins.
On ACG’s 737-8 MAX Delivery to Virgin Australia
While a relatively straightforward placement, this delivery adds further momentum to the global re-absorption of the 737 MAX into fleets. For ACG, the placement also reflects a continued confidence in the type’s long-term leaseability, especially among carriers pursuing fleet renewal with a focus on fuel efficiency and transcontinental range.
On Azorra’s Acquisition of JetBlue’s E190 Fleet and Engines
This transaction underscores the strength of the secondary market for regional jets and related engines. Azorra’s acquisition is well-timed to tap into rising demand for mid-life E-Jets, particularly as carriers in Latin America, Africa, and parts of Asia seek right-sized solutions for regional connectivity. The deal also shows how inventory transitions from major carriers can support lessor portfolio optimisation with strong aftermarket visibility.
On JetBlue–United Blue Sky Collaboration Approval
The regulatory green light for Blue Sky introduces a novel airline alliance model—less about joint ventures and more about network interoperability. With slot exchanges, reciprocal loyalty benefits, and phased rollout, the deal redefines competitive cooperation in congested hubs like JFK and Newark. From a fleet strategy standpoint, this could influence aircraft deployment planning and frequency optimisation across shared routes—a development Acumen will be watching closely.
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