Fleet
SAS Achieves Aircraft Lessor Savings
- Bankrupt SAS has achieved its goal of roughly 1 billion Swedish kroner ($97 million) in annual aircraft lease savings. The airline recently reached amended terms on 13 aircraft with Air Lease Corp. and Jackson Square Aviation, which completed its negotiations with lessors. In total, SAS has amended terms on 59 leased aircraft in its fleet. The airline aims to exit its U.S. Chapter 11 restructuring in the second half of the year.
- Spirit Airlines has outlined how it will exit its Airbus A319 fleet by the middle of the decade. Last week, the carrier sold 29 aircraft to Gryphon Aviation Leasing for up to $201 million. The A319s will come out of its fleet and be delivered to the lessor this year and next. The two remaining A319s in Spirit’s fleet are leased and will be returned to their owners in 2025.
- Delta exercised 12 options for the Airbus A220-300 last week. Coupled with its in-service fleet of A220s and firm orders, the latest deal will bring its total number of the type to 119 aircraft. The latest orderbook additions will arrive in 2026 and 2027.
- Speaking of the A220, ALC placed six planes (four -300s and two -200s) with Croatia Airlines. The placement is part of the carrier’s plan to renew its 13-aircraft strong fleet with A220s. Croatia ordered six A220-300s directly from Airbus in November.
- On the topic of orders, Airbus picked up a firm commitment for 12 Airbus A320neos from Uzbekistan Airways last week. And Embraer recorded a commitment for 15 E195-E2 aircraft from an undisclosed customer.