AeroTime
• Ian Molyneaux
Two separate aircraft transactions highlight continued investor activity in the secondary market: Avolon agreed to sell 33 leased Boeing and Airbus aircraft to Qatar’s Lesha Bank for $1.6 billion, while FTAI acquired 27 WestJet 737-700s, including jets intended for sale-leaseback and engine aftermarket activity.
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Two separate aircraft transactions highlight continued investor activity in the secondary market: Avolon agreed to sell 33 leased Boeing and Airbus aircraft to Qatar’s Lesha Bank for $1.6 billion, while FTAI acquired 27 WestJet 737-700s, including jets intended for sale-leaseback and engine aftermarket activity.
High activity
HAECO has secured airframe, engine and landing-gear agreements with ANA, JAL and Garuda, while GMF AeroAsia will perform heavy maintenance on AirZeta’s Boeing 747s from 2027 through 2030. Separately, AAR has agreed to acquire a majority stake in MRO Holdings for $1.8 billion, according to sources.
High activity
Avolon has agreed to sell Lesha Bank a portfolio of 33 commercial aircraft leased to 25 airlines, with management transferring to Lesha Aviation Services. The transaction will lift Lesha’s managed fleet beyond 75 aircraft and expand its Sharia-compliant leasing platform, while advancing Avolon’s asset-recycling strategy.
High activity
Asset manager Attestor will acquire the remaining 49% of Condor, taking full control of the German leisure carrier by August 2027. The transaction follows Condor’s early repayment of state-backed loans and consolidates ownership as the airline continues its post-restructuring strategy.
High activity
Iridium stockholders approved Rocket Lab’s acquisition with 99.6% of votes cast, endorsing consideration valued at $54 per share, comprising $27 in cash and collared Rocket Lab stock. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close by mid-2027, while Rocket Lab signals further deals ahead.
High activity
British private-equity firm Attestor is exercising its option to acquire the German government-held 49% stake in Condor, following an agreement reached in 2021. The transaction, expected to close in late August 2027, will end state ownership as Condor pursues medium- and long-haul fleet renewal and growth.
High activity
MBS has acquired a 20% stake in HPS, supporting a seven-figure investment program at the German space-hardware company. The funding will help HPS expand beyond its existing space activities into defense and communications markets, broadening its addressable customer base and strategic footprint.
Air India’s incoming chief executive is weighing a merger between the full-service carrier and its low-cost subsidiary, according to Commercial Aviation News. The potential combination could reshape the group’s operating structure and brand portfolio, although no decision or timeline has been reported.
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