19 Jun 2025
#3 June 2025: North American Aviation Newsletter
Avelo Airlines Announces New Seating Options
Avelo Airlines announced the launch of Stretch and Stretch+, two new seating upgrade options aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and flexibility. Stretch+ provides even more personal space by keeping the middle seat intentionally unoccupied, while Stretch offers extra legroom for an additional fee. These seating upgrades will be available across Avelo’s entire network beginning September 3, 2025. The new seating initiative reflects Avelo’s continued focus on offering value-driven, customer-centric travel options while maintaining its reputation for convenience and affordability.
Avelo Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Brian Davis stated: “Stretch and Stretch+ reflects our commitment to giving travelers more choice and comfort while staying true to what sets us apart: convenient, reliable, and affordable service. We know comfort matters and this new option offers a better experience for those who want it, without changing the value our Customers expect from us.”
HALO AirFinance Closes Senior Term Loan Secured by B747-400ERF for Middle East Cargo Operator
HALO AirFinance announced the closing of a senior term loan secured by a Boeing 747-400ERF freighter for a Middle East-based cargo airline. This financing provided working capital support while showcasing HALO’s ability to offer tailored capital solutions for both mature and in-service assets across the aviation sector.
Marc Cho, Co-Head and Managing Director of HALO, said: “This financing underscores HALO’s mandate to deliver customized capital solutions across the aviation lifecycle. We are pleased to support a leading cargo operator in the region and look forward to continuing to expand our reach across global markets.”
High Ridge Aviation Completes Delivery of Three A220-300s to Breeze Airways
High Ridge Aviation (HRA) successfully completed the delivery of three Airbus A220-300 aircraft to Breeze Airways under a purchase-leaseback (PLB) agreement. The aircraft — MSN 55341, 55345, and 55343 — were delivered from Airbus’ production facility in Mobile, Alabama. The first delivery also marked the 400th A220 aircraft produced by Airbus.
High Ridge Aviation CEO Greg Conlon stated: “We are proud to have successfully completed the delivery of all three Airbus A220-300 aircraft to Breeze Airways, fulfilling our commitment on this purchase-leaseback transaction.”
Jetstream Aviation Capital Delivers First ATR72-600 to Blue Islands
Jetstream Aviation Capital announced the delivery of one ATR72-600 aircraft (MSN 1167) to Blue Islands Limited on May 13, 2025. This delivery is the first of multiple ATR72-600 aircraft committed under an agreement between the two companies. The aircraft will be deployed for Blue Islands’ scheduled and charter services across the Channel Islands, France, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
Acumen’s Take
On Avelo’s Stretch & Stretch+ Seating Launch
Avelo’s introduction of differentiated seating products reflects growing LCC trends to monetise ancillary revenue while responding to evolving customer demand for comfort options. Flexible cabin monetisation strategies like these allow ULCCs to retain their low-cost positioning while expanding yield potential without altering base fares.
On HALO AirFinance’s Cargo Term Loan
HALO’s secured term loan on a mature 747-400ERF demonstrates sustained lender appetite for freighter assets supporting the still-resilient air cargo sector. Freighter-backed financing structures remain attractive amid constrained widebody capacity and stable long-haul cargo demand, particularly in regions like the Middle East.
On High Ridge–Breeze A220 PLB Deliveries
High Ridge’s full execution of this A220-300 PLB transaction with Breeze reinforces the increasing role of boutique lessors in niche asset segments. The A220’s expanding orderbook and its appeal to new-generation hybrid carriers offer strong residual value propositions for structured purchase-leaseback transactions.
On Jetstream’s ATR72-600 Delivery to Blue Islands
Jetstream’s ATR placement with Blue Islands reflects the ongoing strength of turboprop demand in secondary and regional intra-Europe markets. Right-sized aircraft like the ATR72-600 continue to offer optimal economics for short-haul routes, while lessors benefit from stable lease placements within captive regional franchises.
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