12 Jun 2025
#2 June 2025: North American Aviation Newsletter
Air T and Crestone Announce $100 Million Multi-Year Financing Agreement with Institutional Investors
Air T, Inc. announced on June 2nd the successful renegotiation of a key financing agreement involving its wholly owned subsidiary, AAM 24-1, LLC. The updated agreement, reached with the Company’s existing institutional investors, grows the transaction from $30,000,000 to $100,000,000, extends repayment timelines and increases financial flexibility. These changes support Air T’s long-term capital foundation while maintaining alignment with its strategic objectives and commitment to growth. The capital will also be allocated to support the growth and strategic initiatives of Crestone Air Partners, and other Air T subsidiaries.
Air T CEO and Chairman Nick Swenson, stated, “This modified financing structure significantly enhances our capital flexibility and allows us to pursue long-term value creation with greater certainty. It’s another big step in support of the value we’re seeking to build. And it’s a scaling investment representing a continued vote of confidence by a sophisticated capital partner.”
Pan Am Brands Partners with AVi8 Air Capital to Explore the Relaunch of Pan American World Airways
Pan Am Brands, a division of Pan Am Global Holdings LLC, announced it has entered into a strategic partnership with AVi8 Air Capital to explore the relaunch of Pan American World Airways as a scheduled commercial airline. AVi8 will work closely with Pan Am Brands, leveraging its deep industry expertise to assess the feasibility, structure, and financial strategy for the airline’s return to commercial operations.
“We are excited to partner with AVi8 to explore how best to bring the Pan Am brand back to the skies as a scheduled commercial airline,” said Craig Carter, CEO of Pan Am Global Holdings, Pan American World Airways LLC. “With its legacy of innovation, service excellence, and global connectivity, Pan Am remains a cherished name in aviation. Through this collaboration, we aim to assess a sustainable and forward-thinking approach to reintroducing scheduled commercial service under the Pan Am name – one that not only honours its legacy but also makes the Pan Am experience more accessible.”
WSA signs Agreement to Deliver two 737-800F to Solitair
World Star Aviation announced it has signed an agreement with SolitAir, the UAE’s only dedicated cargo airline operating express daily scheduled services between Dubai and high-yield key trade routes across the Global South, for the lease of two Boeing 737-800 freighter aircraft. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in the coming months and will significantly boost the cargo airline’s fleet and operational capabilities.
World Star Aviation Partner , Yoram Allalouf said, “We are proud to support SolitAir in this exciting growth phase. This agreement underscores the confidence placed in SolitAir’s vision, and we at WSA are thrilled to continue to develop this partnership.”
Acumen’s Take
On Air T and Crestone’s $100 Million Financing Agreement:
Air T’s tripling of its financing agreement signals a deliberate capital strategy to expand its aviation asset platforms, notably Crestone Air Partners. By extending repayment terms and increasing flexibility, Air T secures a long-term runway for opportunistic aircraft acquisitions and portfolio scaling. This agreement also reflects growing investor confidence in niche lessor platforms and diversified aviation services businesses.
On Pan Am Brands and AVi8 Air Capital’s Strategic Partnership:
The Pan Am brand's potential revival as a scheduled airline through partnership with AVi8 taps into aviation nostalgia but will require sharp strategic execution. Success hinges on whether AVi8 can translate Pan Am’s storied identity into a viable commercial model amidst a competitive and high-cost market. Structuring a sustainable relaunch would likely demand innovation in fleet, route, and service economics.
On WSA’s 737-800F Lease Deal with Solitair:
WSA’s placement of two 737-800 freighters with Solitair strengthens its foothold in the growing Middle East express cargo sector. For Solitair, the aircraft enhances regional lift capacity and aligns with demand from South-South corridors. The deal underscores continued lessee appetite for mid-life narrowbody freighters, especially for time-sensitive trade lanes across emerging markets.
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