#3 August 2025: Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter
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15 Aug 2025

#3 August 2025: Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter

AFG Aviation Ireland Limited Announces Sale of Boeing 767-381F(ER), MSN 33510, to Samaritan’s Purse

AFG Aviation Ireland Ltd has announced the sale of a Boeing 767-381F(ER), MSN 33510, to Samaritan’s Purse—an internationally respected humanitarian relief organisation known for its rapid-response capabilities.

 

The acquisition will expand Samaritan’s Purse’s operational reach by enhancing its airlift capacity to deliver essential aid to crisis-hit regions. AFG worked closely with the organisation throughout the preparation and delivery process, ensuring the aircraft was fully equipped to support global relief operations.

 

Samaritan’s Purse acknowledged AFG as an “outstanding partner,” noting the collaboration as a model of effective cooperation in service of a humanitarian mission.

 

Arena Aviation Acquires 10 Embraer E190 Aircraft Operated by Aeromexico

Arena Aviation Capital has finalised the acquisition of ten Embraer E190-100LR aircraft, all operated by Aeromexico, on behalf of a US-based investor.

 

Structured under finance leases, the aircraft represent Arena’s first entry into the regional aircraft market. The deal—sourced from Brasilmex Leasing—was complex, taking over 24 months to structure and execute. The final delivery occurred on 17 June 2025.

 

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 for 13 Embraer E190 airframes and 36 General Electric CF34-10E6 engines.

 

Deliveries commenced in July 2025 and are scheduled to continue through Q2 2026.

 

John Evans, CEO of Azorra, said:
“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.”

 

SMBC Aviation Capital Delivers Third A320neo to Starflyer

SMBC Aviation Capital has successfully delivered an Airbus A320-251N (MSN 12649) to Japanese carrier Starflyer.

 

This aircraft is the third delivered as part of a "three plus one" A320neo transaction, sourced from SMBC’s direct order with Airbus. The final unit under this agreement is expected to be delivered by late 2025.

 

The ongoing partnership reflects both parties’ commitment to fleet modernisation and operational excellence.

 

Acumen’s Take

On AFG’s Sale to Samaritan’s Purse

This transaction showcases how lessors can engage with non-traditional operators such as humanitarian organisations. The repurposing of a freighter for mission-critical operations demonstrates leasing’s expanding influence beyond commercial aviation. For AFG, this also reflects flexibility in aircraft placement strategies and the growing relevance of freighter conversions in today’s evolving global landscape.

 

On Arena Aviation’s Entry into Regional Aircraft Leasing

Arena’s move into the E190 space marks a strategic portfolio diversification, responding to investor appetite for mid-life regional jets. The long structuring period underscores the deal’s complexity but also its potential yield. As regional aviation gains renewed focus globally, such placements are expected to grow, supported by flexible leasing structures and robust demand in developing markets.

 

On Azorra’s E190 and Engine Acquisition from JetBlue

Azorra continues to reinforce its position in the E-Jet market with this substantial asset acquisition. The inclusion of 36 CF34 engines strengthens its aftermarket proposition, especially for power-by-the-hour and engine leasing opportunities. This transaction is a signal of rising secondary market activity and increasing focus on fleet rightsizing in post-COVID network strategies.

 

On SMBC Aviation Capital’s Delivery to Starflyer

The third delivery to Starflyer reflects SMBC’s steady execution on narrowbody fleet placements in the Asia-Pacific region. As Japanese carriers seek to modernise fleets while maintaining operational agility, partnerships like this underscore the continued demand for fuel-efficient narrowbodies in high-frequency domestic and regional markets.

 

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