24 Sep 2019

North America Newsletter 24 September

AeroCentury Corp. Announces Lease Terminations AeroCentury Corp reported 23 September the termination of several leases with one of its customers. After many months of working closely with Adria Airways in Slovenia as it worked to improve its financial condition, today the Company gave notice to Adria of the termination of its leases for two CRJ 900 aircraft with immediate effect, due to the accumulation of substantial payment defaults by the airline under its leases with the Company.  At the same time, the Company gave a default notice for its last remaining CRJ 900 aircraft on lease to Adria.  If Adria does not cure its payment defaults to the Company by September 27th, then this last remaining lease contract will be immediately terminated.  AeroCentury Corp intends to regain possession of these three aircraft as quickly as possible and prepare the aircraft for lease or sale. Air Lease Corporation Announces Delivery of New Airbus A321-200neo LR Aircraft to Air Astana Air Lease Corporation announced 20 September the delivery of one new Airbus A321-200neo LR aircraft on long-term lease to Air Astana.  Featuring Pratt & Whitney PW1133G engines, this aircraft is the first of seven A321-200neo aircraft scheduled to deliver to the airline from ALC’s order book with Airbus.  “We are delighted to announce this first of seven ALC A321-200neo LR aircraft delivery to Air Astana today,” said Alex Khatibi, Executive Vice President of Air Lease Corporation.  “The A321-200neo LR is instrumental to Air Astana’s fleet modernization program to support the airline’s extended range operations and expanding route network.” Air Lease Corporation Announces Delivery of New Boeing 787-9 Aircraft to Neos Air Lease Corporation announced 18 September the delivery of one new Boeing 787-9 aircraft on long-term lease to Neos (Italy). Featuring Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, this aircraft delivered from ALC’s order book with Boeing. “We are pleased to announce this new Boeing 787-9 delivery to Neos,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “This new ALC Dreamliner will be deployed to service Neos’ intercontinental routes from Italy and Europe to the Americas, Asia and Africa, as well as add to the airline’s ongoing fleet upgrade to the latest technology 787s.” Delta invests $2 million for study of potential facility to produce biofuel from forest floor debris As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Delta Air Lines is investing $2 million to partner with Northwest Advanced Bio-fuels, LLC for the feasibility study of a biofuel production facility to produce sustainable aviation fuel and other biofuel products. The sustainable aviation fuel, expected to be produced in a facility in Washington State, could be used in Delta operations at stations in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles. NWABF's project would utilize wood residue deposits and wood slash lying on forest floors to produce the biofuel, which would qualify under an approved carbon-reducing pathway recognized by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). NWABF plans first delivery of the fuel by the end of 2023. Delta TechOps and Aircraft Lessor ORIX Aviation Systems Ltd. Sign Major Engine Maintenance Contract Delta TechOps, the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) division of Delta Air Lines, has signed a five-year Maintenance Services Agreement with top-tier aircraft leasing company ORIX Aviation Systems, Ltd. The agreement will cover the support of CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B aircraft engines. Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation Announces Plans to Open SpaceJet Montreal Center Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation announced plans to establish their footprint in the Montreal region of Quebec, Canada. Having launched the Mitsubishi SpaceJet family of aircraft earlier this year and opened a U.S. headquarters in Renton, Washington, the company seeks to prepare for the next phase of its global growth. In its first year in the Montreal area, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation intends to create around 100 jobs focused on certification and entry into service of the Mitsubishi SpaceJet products. The company plans to increase that number in the following years. The office will be located in the Boisbriand area. SpiceXpress Expands Air Cargo Capacity with 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter SpiceXpress, SpiceJet’s cargo division, has taken delivery of its first 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) as the India-based carrier expands its air cargo operation to better serve one of the world’s most populated regions and offer new route options. The standard-body freighter, which is the first 737-800BCF to be operated in South Asia, is on lease from NGF Alpha Limited, a division of Spectre Cargo Solutions. The 737-800BCF entered service last year and its order book has grown quickly to 120 orders and commitments. The program has ramped up production – with output set to more than double to 17 units in 2019 – to meet the customer demand. Acumen Aviation © 24 September 2019 All Rights Reserved.