23 Aug 2021

North American Newsletter 23 August

Aircastle Delivers Final A320neo Aircraft to Frontier Airlines Aircastle announced that it has delivered the final two of four Airbus A320neo aircraft to Frontier Airlines this week. Alaska Airlines continues fleet optimization with 12 additional Boeing 737-9 aircraft Alaska Airlines announced it is accelerating its fleet growth by exercising options early on 12 Boeing 737-9 aircraft. The option aircraft are now firm commitments for 2023 and 2024. This additional commitment brings Alaska's total firm 737-9 order to 93 aircraft, five of which are currently in service. Alaska Airlines senior vice president of fleet, finance and alliances Nat Pieper said "We are excited to accelerate Alaska's growth, building on our solid financial foundation that enabled us to weather the pandemic. These aircraft are a prudent, long-term investment in our business that we can make while simultaneously maintaining our strong balance sheet." Azorra delivers the second of six E170s to American Airlines Azorra announced that it has delivered one Embraer E170, MSN 17000294 on lease to American Airlines to be operated by its wholly owned Envoy Air regional subsidiary. This aircraft is the second of six (6) Embraer E170s scheduled to be delivered this year. Breeze Airways Closes $200 Million Series B Funding to Fuel Growth Breeze Aviation Group, Inc announced that it has closed a $200 million Series B funding round led by funds and accounts managed by BlackRock, and Knighthead Capital Management, LLC. The funding round also includes additional investments by the airline’s existing investors, including Peterson Partners and Sandlot Partners. Breeze initiated its first flights on May 27, 2021, and has quickly grown its route network to 16 U.S. cities and 39 routes. With the additional $200 million from the Series B funding, Breeze Airways has raised more than $300 million in startup capital, more than any other U.S. start-up within three months of operations launch. The supplemental funds will be used to fuel the company’s continued expansion. C&L Aviation Group Completes World’s First Saab 340B+ Cargo Conversion C&L Aviation Services has completed a cargo conversion on a Saab 340B+ at the company’s Maine-based MRO facility. This is the first B+ model in the world that has been converted for cargo operations. The operator, which has taken possession of this aircraft, has signed an agreement with C&L to complete an additional 5 conversions in 2021 and 2022. Flair Airlines Establishes Edmonton Base and Adds 4 New US Destinations Flair Airlines announced the opening of a new base at Edmonton International Airport and an expansion of service that will bring 4 new non-stop US destinations to Hollywood Burbank, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Palm Springs creating 50 new jobs. Flair will base an aircraft and flight crews in Edmonton starting in December. President and CEO, Flair Airlines Stephen Jones stated “Our relationship with Edmonton International Airport will continue to provide benefits to Albertans as our low fares make travel accessible and affordable for everyone. Albertans have been paying way too much for air travel and Flair is here to change that. Having our new 737-8 aircraft and our team members based in Edmonton provides a unique advantage to Flair as we can continue our efficient growth and keep our costs down and our fares low.” Acumen Aviation © 23 August 2021  All Rights Reserved.