15 Aug 2025
#3 August 2025: North American Aviation Newsletter
BeauTech Strengthens CF34-10 Leadership with JetBlue Engine Acquisition
BeauTech Power Systems has signed a Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with JetBlue Airways Corporation for 11 General Electric CF34-10E6 engines, further expanding its global engine leasing portfolio.
This acquisition strengthens BeauTech’s leadership in CF34-10 engine leasing and brings its total portfolio to over 160 spare engines. The newly acquired engines will support fleet transitions, bridge maintenance events, and extend operational lifespans for airlines and MROs—helping minimise downtime while maximising aircraft utilisation.
Lee Beaumont, Founder & CEO of BeauTech Power Systems LLC, said:
“Our focus is on delivering the right engine solution exactly when our customers need it. By adding these CF34-10 engines to our portfolio, we reinforce our leadership in this segment and expand our ability to provide near-term, high-value leasing options to our airline partners.”
Crestone Air Partners Launches Blue Crest Aviation Partners
Crestone Air Partners has announced the formation of Blue Crest Aviation Partners, a new joint venture anchored by funds managed by Blue Owl Capital, Inc.
The platform will focus on acquiring mid-life commercial jet aircraft leased to airlines globally, employing a disciplined, income-oriented investment strategy. This marks the next phase in Crestone’s capital formation strategy following the successful deployment of Contrail JV II and affiliated vehicles.
Kevin Milligan, CEO of Crestone Air Partners, said:
“Blue Crest Aviation Partners represents the next step of scaling for our platform. We’re proud to continue building with Blue Owl’s funds and deepen our alignment through a dedicated vehicle targeting opportunities in the mid-life aviation market.”
Natixis Underwrites Loan for Eleven Airbus A321ceos for LATAM Airlines Group S.A.
Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) has successfully underwritten a Senior Secured Term Loan to finance the acquisition of eleven Airbus A321ceo aircraft for LATAM Airlines Group S.A.
Natixis CIB acted as Joint Mandated Lead Arranger and Lender, alongside SMBC, on the Senior Secured Commercial Loan. The deal highlights Natixis’ continued role in supporting LATAM’s fleet financing and growth strategy.
Yevgeniya Levitin, Head of Aviation Americas at Natixis CIB, stated:
“We are delighted to continue supporting LATAM Airlines’ fleet financing needs and sustained growth with the successful refinancing of 11 A321ceos. We appreciate LATAM’s trust in our bank and look forward to further expanding this successful relationship.”
Acumen’s Take
On BeauTech’s CF34-10 Engine Acquisition from JetBlue
This deal enhances BeauTech’s position as a go-to lessor for CF34-10-powered aircraft, reinforcing the aftermarket relevance of E190 platforms. The timing aligns with increasing demand for flexible engine leasing solutions as regional and secondary carriers seek to extend the utility of their fleets. For asset managers, the growing traction in engine-only deals presents a lucrative avenue for near-term returns without full aircraft exposure.
On Crestone’s Launch of Blue Crest Aviation Partners
The formation of Blue Crest signals robust investor appetite for mid-life aircraft assets. With Blue Owl Capital’s backing, Crestone is well-positioned to scale efficiently, tapping into a segment often overlooked by mainstream lessors. This JV structure allows for targeted capital deployment with strong yield potential, and could influence broader trends in alternative aviation investment vehicles.
On Natixis’ A321ceo Financing for LATAM
This financing deal exemplifies how traditional banks remain critical enablers in airline fleet strategies—especially in Latin America, where refinancing and asset-backed structures are key to maintaining liquidity. The A321ceo, while not a new-gen aircraft, still holds value in dense, high-frequency networks. Acumen sees this as a continued endorsement of the type’s mid-life utility and the financing community’s confidence in LATAM’s recovery trajectory.
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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