29 Jan 2026
#4 January 2026: North American Aviation Newsletter
AELF Caps Off 2025 With $355 Million in New Financing
Aircraft Engine Lease Finance Inc. (AELF) announced it raised $355 million in committed capital and term financings during 2025 from lenders including Investec, Absa Group, Merchants Bank, and Natixis. The financing will be used to support fleet expansion and pursue strategic growth opportunities. AELF stated that the additional capital strengthens its position to continue investing in mid-life assets with strong value-creation potential as it enters 2026.
Eve Air Mobility Secures Export-Backed Funding for eVTOL Program
Eve Air Mobility announced an agreement with the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank) and the Private Export Funding Corporation (PEFCO) to finance expenses related to its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft program. The funding will support procurement of batteries and engineering services from U.S.-based supplier BAE Systems during the development and testing phase. Eve stated that the agreement helps de-risk the program while strengthening participation from U.S. suppliers across its supply chain.
UrbanLink Selects NOEMI Electric Amphibious Aircraft for Florida Operations
Elfly Group announced a memorandum of understanding with UrbanLink covering a 10 plus 10 soft order for the NOEMI electric amphibious seaplane, representing a potential order value of approximately $200 million. UrbanLink plans to develop a zero-emission transport network across air, sea, and ground, with initial hubs in Miami, Los Angeles, and San Juan. The agreement reflects growing interest in electric seaplane operations, particularly in coastal regions such as Florida.
Acumen’s Take
On AELF’s 2025 Financing Activity
The scale of AELF’s capital raise highlights continued lender appetite for engine-focused platforms. Targeting mid-life assets positions the lessor to capture value amid constrained new engine availability.
On Eve Air Mobility’s Export-Backed Funding
Export credit support marks a meaningful step in de-risking eVTOL development. Backing from EXIM Bank strengthens Eve’s funding mix and reinforces confidence in its long-term programme execution.
On UrbanLink’s NOEMI Seaplane Selection
The MoU reflects early commercial momentum for electric amphibious aircraft. Coastal markets like Florida offer a practical entry point for zero-emission seaplane operations with clear infrastructure advantages.
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