21 Feb 2025
#4 Feb 2025: Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter
JetBlue Celebrates 25 Years
JetBlue has celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century since its first customer flight on February 11, 2000. Under its JetForward strategy, launched last year, JetBlue plans to strengthen its operational performance, introduce new products, and expand its leisure travel network along the East Coast of the United States. CEO Joanna Geraghty expressed gratitude for the airline’s journey so far, highlighting its mission to bring "humanity back to air travel" by prioritising customer care and enhancing travel experiences.
Tidal Flight and Tropic Ocean Airways Sign Agreement to Introduce Polaris Aircraft
Tidal Flight has partnered with Tropic Ocean Airways to introduce the hybrid-electric Polaris Amphibian seaplane into Tropic’s fleet. The agreement, announced at the Future Opportunities for Seaplanes and Amphibious Aviation 2025 (FOSAA25) conference in Miami, includes a Letter of Intent (LOI) for 20 aircraft valued at over $100 million. Tropic Ocean Airways, based in Ft. Lauderdale, currently operates a fleet of Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft, offering travel services to destinations across Florida, the Bahamas, and the Hamptons. CEO Rob Ceravolo aims to leverage Tropic’s operational expertise to expand seaplane aviation globally.
Werner Aero Acquires Airbus A319-100
Werner Aero has acquired an Airbus A319-100 (MSN2554) from FTAI Aviation as part of its efforts to expand its inventory of high-quality aftermarket aviation solutions. The aircraft will be dismantled at Air Salvage International in Cotswold Airport, UK, with the recovered parts being used to support airlines and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services worldwide. This acquisition reinforces Werner Aero’s commitment to providing reliable aftermarket support in the aviation sector.
Horizon Air Secures R$900 Million in BNDES Financing to Import Six Embraer Aircraft
Horizon Air, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group Inc., has secured financing worth R$900 million from Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) to import six Embraer E175 aircraft. This is the second time BNDES has supported Horizon, following a 2023 agreement that facilitated the export of 11 Embraer aircraft. The new aircraft will be delivered between 2025 and 2026, with the financing covering a significant portion of Horizon’s total investment. Francisco Gomes Neto, Embraer’s President and CEO, highlighted the role of BNDES in promoting Brazil’s aviation industry, generating employment, and strengthening the national production ecosystem.
Acumen’s Take
On JetBlue’s 25th Anniversary:
JetBlue’s milestone highlights the importance of consistent operational excellence and customer-centric innovation in maintaining long-term success in the competitive airline industry. As the airline looks to expand its leisure travel offerings along the East Coast, opportunities for fleet expansion and network optimisation arise. Acumen’s asset management services can assist in identifying growth opportunities and ensuring that airlines maximise returns on their fleet investments.
On Tidal Flight and Tropic Ocean Airways’ Partnership:
The introduction of hybrid-electric seaplanes through this partnership marks a significant advancement in sustainable regional aviation. As the industry shifts towards greener technologies, investing in hybrid-electric aircraft presents promising growth potential for regional carriers. Acumen’s consultancy services offer valuable insights into integrating sustainable aviation solutions and helping stakeholders adapt their fleets to meet future regulatory and environmental standards.
On Werner Aero’s Airbus A319-100 Acquisition:
Werner Aero’s acquisition of the Airbus A319-100 reflects a growing demand for high-quality aftermarket parts in the aviation industry. With airlines seeking cost-effective ways to extend the lifecycle of existing aircraft, the dismantling and reuse of aircraft parts are becoming increasingly important. Acumen’s asset lifecycle management solutions help clients optimise the value of ageing aircraft while supporting sustainable practices in the aviation aftermarket.
On Horizon Air’s Embraer E175 Financing:
The BNDES financing deal underscores the significance of international partnerships in expanding regional airline fleets. Embraer’s E175 model, known for its operational efficiency on shorter routes, presents new growth opportunities for regional carriers in the U.S. Acumen’s advisory services can help lessors and airlines evaluate financing strategies, assess the long-term value of fleet investments, and navigate cross-border transactions effectively.
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