25 Jul 2025
#4 July 2025: North American Aviation Newsletter
ATSG Leases First EASA-Certified A321 Converted Freighter to Warsaw Cargo
Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) has delivered its first A321 P2F (passenger-to-freighter) aircraft certified by EASA to Warsaw Cargo, marking a strategic expansion into Europe for both companies. The A321P2F is part of ATSG’s global growth plan and supports Warsaw Cargo’s ambition to become a key player in European air freight operations.
Todd France, Chief Commercial Officer of ATSG, said:
“ATSG continues to grow its global leasing fleet with high-performance, fuel-efficient aircraft, providing flexible, reliable aircraft solutions tailored to our clients’ operational goals. This delivery represents another milestone in our international growth strategy and supports Warsaw Cargo’s vision to expand reliable cargo service across Europe.”
HALO AirFinance Closes Two Senior Loans for Crestone Air Partners
HALO AirFinance, in partnership with Blue Owl Capital, has closed two senior loans to support Crestone Air Partners’ acquisition of two Airbus A319-100 aircraft on lease with a major U.S. airline. The transaction highlights investor confidence in the mature aircraft segment and HALO’s role in powering lease-driven asset acquisition strategies.
Marc Cho, Co-Head and Managing Director of HALO, commented:
“HALO is committed to supporting the mature aircraft segment of the industry where we see continued resiliency and healthy demand. We greatly value the continued growth and partnership we have developed with Crestone Air Partners and are incredibly pleased to facilitate their successful acquisition strategies.”
StandardAero Expands CFM56-7B Services with Exchange Engine Solutions
StandardAero has expanded its services for the CFM56-7B engine family to now include exchange engine solutions, further strengthening its aftermarket support capabilities for Boeing 737NG operators. With overhaul and testing sites in Dallas and Winnipeg, and in-house asset management support, the new offering provides rapid engine replacement options with OEM-backed assurance.
Guillaume Limouzy, Airline Sales Director at StandardAero, said:
“We’re delighted to expand our CFM56-7B offerings through the addition of exchange engine solutions. Working with our asset management and MRO teams across North America, we can now offer operators like Stellar Aviation fast, high-quality engine solutions that meet StandardAero’s rigorous standards.”
Acumen’s Take
On ATSG’s A321P2F Delivery to Warsaw Cargo
The A321P2F platform is fast gaining ground as a preferred narrowbody freighter option, and ATSG’s EASA-certified delivery signals growing interest from European carriers. For Warsaw Cargo, a relatively new entrant, leasing from a trusted name like ATSG provides both asset quality and operational reliability—essential for building a reputation in a competitive cargo market.
On HALO’s Financing Support for Crestone
This transaction shows that mid-life and mature aircraft continue to hold strong investor appeal, especially when backed by lease contracts with established carriers. HALO and Crestone’s collaboration underscores the strength of alternative lenders in supporting opportunistic asset plays in today’s tighter credit environment.
On StandardAero’s Expanded Engine Solutions
The addition of exchange engine solutions complements StandardAero’s already strong CFM56-7B MRO services and aligns with growing airline demand for speed and flexibility. As global narrowbody utilisation remains high, such offerings will be critical to minimising downtime and enhancing operational resilience for 737NG operators.
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