27 Jun 2025
#4 June 2025: North American Aviation Newsletter
AELF Secures $55 Million Credit Facility from Merchants Bank
Aircraft Engine Lease Finance (AELF) has finalised a $55 million line of credit from Merchants Bank, a step aimed at accelerating fleet growth through additional aircraft acquisitions. The privately held lessor has recently added several Boeing 737NGs and Airbus A330s, with more acquisitions in the pipeline.
Phil Scruggs, AELF Board Member, highlighted the strategic partnership with Merchants Bank: “We are very pleased to continue to expand that relationship as we grow the fleet and diversify our stable of high-quality airline partners.”
JSX to Launch ATR Operations in the U.S. with Support from ATR
JSX has announced plans to begin ATR aircraft operations by the end of 2025, marking a significant expansion of its hop-on charter service model. The Texas-based carrier will lease two ATR 42-600 aircraft and operate them under a comprehensive Global Maintenance Agreement with ATR to ensure high reliability.
In addition, JSX has signed a Letter of Intent with ATR for up to 25 aircraft (15 firm + 10 options), considering both ATR 42-600 and all-business ATR 72-600 variants. The move will open up access to over 1,000 smaller airports in the U.S., many of which are currently inaccessible to commercial air service.
JSX CEO Alex Wilcox noted: “The ATR -600 series will bring over 1,000 new airports into reach for JSX. This is a step forward in our mission to increase the safety, speed, and convenience of air travel across the U.S.”
Werner Aero Acquires Boeing 737-700 for Teardown
Werner Aero has acquired a Boeing 737-700 aircraft, MSN 32426, from Carlyle Aviation Partners Ltd. The aircraft is currently stationed at eCube in Castellón, Spain, where it will be disassembled to support the 737NG aftermarket.
Tony Kondo, CEO of Werner Aero, stated: “This acquisition reinforces our dedication to investing in quality assets and ensuring component availability for the 737NG platform. Our teardown program continues to grow in response to customer needs.”
Acumen’s Take
On AELF’s $55M Credit Facility:
AELF’s move to secure credit for mid-life aircraft acquisitions is a clear indicator of robust investor confidence in stable, in-service assets. With interest in the 737NG and A330 segments holding strong, such facilities allow lessors to position themselves for quick remarketing or secondary leasing, where Acumen continues to provide key data-backed portfolio insights.
On JSX’s ATR Expansion Plan:
JSX’s entry into ATR operations reaffirms the growing opportunity in regional point-to-point connectivity. By tapping into underutilised airport infrastructure, JSX is capitalising on a niche passenger experience model. ATR’s low operating cost and cabin versatility make it an ideal fit, and Acumen sees significant MRO and spares planning demand emerging from such niche fleet operations.
On Werner Aero’s 737NG Teardown Acquisition:
The acquisition and teardown of 737NG assets by Werner Aero illustrates sustained demand for parts in the narrowbody market. As fleets globally continue to rely on 737NG platforms, parts providers with reliable teardown pipelines remain critical. Acumen supports clients through end-of-life asset strategies with teardown oversight and component valuation services.
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