15 Mar 2025
#3 March 2025: North American Aviation Newsletter
Air Lease Corporation Places Five Airbus A321neo LR/XLR Aircraft with Qanot Sharq
Air Lease Corporation (ALC) has signed long-term lease agreements with Qanot Sharq Airlines for five new Airbus A321neo aircraft, including three A321-200neo XLRs and two A321-200neo LRs. The aircraft will be delivered between 2026 and 2027 from ALC’s Airbus orderbook. AJ Abedin, Senior VP of Marketing at ALC, highlighted that the fuel-efficient A321neo models will enhance Qanot Sharq’s network reach, operational performance, and service quality in Uzbekistan.
Aviation Capital Group Delivers Airbus A350-900 to Air France
Aviation Capital Group (ACG) has delivered a new Airbus A350-900 to Air France under a long-term lease agreement, as part of a multi-aircraft sale-leaseback transaction. This marks ACG’s first lease agreement to include sustainability-linked KPIs, reinforcing its commitment to supporting fleet transformation with next-generation, fuel-efficient wide-body aircraft. Marine Benoit, ACG’s VP of Marketing, emphasised the partnership’s role in Air France’s ongoing fleet renewal strategy.
Delta Partners with JetZero to Advance Future Aircraft Design
Delta Air Lines has announced a partnership with JetZero to develop a blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft, a radical new design aimed at improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. The California-based startup is at the forefront of next-generation aviation innovation, and Delta sees the partnership as an important step toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Chief Sustainability Officer Amelia DeLuca stated that the initiative aligns with Delta’s commitment to pioneering more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable aviation solutions.
Acumen’s Take
On Air Lease Corporation’s Placement of Airbus A321neo LR/XLR Aircraft
ALC’s lease agreement with Qanot Sharq Airlines underscores the growing demand for fuel-efficient, long-range narrow-body aircraft. The A321neo LR and XLR variants offer enhanced range and operating efficiency, making them ideal for expanding regional and mid-haul networks. Acumen views this as a strategic move, positioning Qanot Sharq to compete effectively in Uzbekistan’s evolving aviation market.
On ACG’s A350-900 Delivery to Air France
The Airbus A350-900 is central to Air France’s fleet modernisation efforts, offering fuel savings, reduced emissions, and enhanced passenger comfort. Acumen recognises the significance of sustainability-linked KPIs in this transaction, reflecting growing industry efforts to integrate environmental responsibility into aircraft leasing. This deal reinforces ACG’s role as a key lessor supporting the transition to next-generation fleets.
On Delta’s Collaboration with JetZero
Delta’s partnership with JetZero signals a bold step toward reimagining aircraft design. The blended-wing-body concept could redefine aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and passenger experience, aligning with industry-wide efforts to cut emissions and improve operational efficiency. Acumen sees this as a long-term investment in aviation sustainability, with the potential to reshape commercial aircraft fleets in the coming decades.
Acumen Aviation © 14 March 2025 All Rights Reserved
