Demand for leased aircraft and very high lease rates will not go out of style soon, major lessors say, amid airline capacity needs and manufacturer output woes.
ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES agreed to order eight 777-9s and option 12. It currently operates Boeing fleet of 29 787s, 20 777s, three 767s, 27 737NGs and 15 737 MAXs and has another 35 737 MAXs, four 777Fs and 11 787-9s on order.
SCOOT expects to take delivery of its first of nine E190-E2s in April 2024 with inaugural flights to Krabi and Hat Yai scheculed for May 7; it also plans to fly E190-E2 to four other SE Asian destinations: Koh Samui, Sibu, Kuantan, and Miri.
BRITISH AIRWAYS announced £7b transformation plan that includes new website, mobile app, free onboard messaging, new short-haul seats for A320s (from unidentified UK-based suppliers) and a new first class suite on A380s from 4Q25.
AIRCASTLE purchased two LEAP-powered A320neos (9225/9531; leased to FLYNAS) from CMB Financial Leasing and A320-200 (6328; leased to IBERIA) and two A321-200s (7152/7218; leased to VUELING) from Jackson Square Aviation.