25 Sep 2025
#4 September 2025: Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter
AerFin Acquires Fifth A320neo in Partnership with Middle Eastern Investor
AerFin has expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of a fifth Airbus A320neo aircraft under its ongoing collaboration with a Middle Eastern investment partner.
This strategic addition supports AerFin’s global growth in A320neo and GTF engine aftermarket solutions, offering high-quality USM (Used Serviceable Material) and engines to MROs and operators.
Simon Goodson, CEO of AerFin, commented:
“We’re focused on ensuring airlines and MROs have reliable access to high-quality USM and engines to keep the global fleet flying efficiently. This acquisition strengthens our global inventory and reinforces our ability to execute complex, value-generating transactions.”
CDB Aviation Deepens Strategic Cooperation with COMAC
A senior delegation from CDB Aviation, led by CEO Jie Chen, met with COMAC executives in Shanghai to reinforce their strategic partnership.
The meeting centred on the C919 programme, which CDB Aviation sees as a pivotal milestone in diversifying the global narrowbody market and enhancing supply chain resilience.
Jie Chen stated:
“COMAC offers a meaningful alternative for airlines, improving fleet flexibility and fuelling competitive innovation in the airframe sector.”
Milestone Aviation Celebrates 15 Years with New Brand Identity
Milestone Aviation Group has launched a refreshed brand identity to commemorate its 15th anniversary.
The updated branding includes a modernised logo, a bold new “M” icon, and a redesigned website aimed at reflecting the company’s innovation-driven approach.
CEO Pat Sheedy said:
“Our new brand identity is simple, bold, and modern. It reflects our commitment to innovation, while honouring our legacy as a leading helicopter lessor. We are excited to evolve visually as we continue to lead in rotorcraft leasing.”
TrueNoord Appoints Leane Higgins as Technical Director – APAC
TrueNoord has announced the appointment of Leane Higgins as Technical Director for Asia-Pacific, further strengthening its Singapore-based team.
The move supports the company’s growth ambitions in the APAC region, which has already surpassed pre-pandemic passenger levels.
Sales Director APAC Carst Lindeboom noted:
“Leane’s deep expertise and fresh perspective will further strengthen our regional team as we scale with resilient demand and a growing client base.”
Acumen’s Take
On AerFin’s Neo Acquisition Strategy
AerFin’s consistent investment in A320neo assets aligns with rising demand for GTF-compatible USM and component support. By securing young, pedigree assets, AerFin is positioning itself as a go-to aftermarket partner for operators under pressure to optimise cost and turnaround times in a constrained supply chain environment.
On CDB Aviation–COMAC Engagement
The collaboration between CDB Aviation and COMAC reflects China’s ambition to become a meaningful challenger in the global narrowbody market. Lessors who back early platforms like the C919 may gain competitive advantage if the programme scales successfully—especially amid OEM backlogs and geopolitical realignments.
On Milestone’s Rebrand
Milestone’s refreshed identity signals a strategic evolution from being just a helicopter lessor to becoming a more modern, forward-facing brand in specialised aviation leasing. The 15-year milestone also reinforces its established credibility in the vertical lift space.
On TrueNoord’s APAC Investment
TrueNoord’s move to bolster its APAC team underscores the importance of regional proximity and technical leadership in the growing short-haul and regional jet segment. As intra-Asia routes continue to grow, lessors with embedded local capabilities will be better placed to serve emerging demand.
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