Tag Archives: GECAS

AerCap completes the GECAS transaction

AerCap Holdings N.V. has announced its major business transactions during the full year and fourth quarter 2021:

Completed the GECAS transaction on November 1, 2021, making AerCap the worldwide industry leader across all areas of aviation leasing: aircraft, engines and helicopters.
In December 2021, AerCap received an MSCI ESG Rating of “A,” an improvement from our previous ESG rating of “BBB.”

Full Year 2021 Transactions

Raised long-term funding of approximately $30.5 billion, including $24 billion in the fourth quarter to finance the GECAS acquisition.
Signed 311 lease agreements.
Completed 65 purchases.
Executed 62 sale transactions.

Fourth Quarter 2021 Transactions

Signed 158 lease agreements, including 19 widebody aircraft and 92 narrowbody aircraft, 27 engines and 20 helicopters.
Completed 42 purchases for 29 aircraft (including 16 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, 1 Airbus A220 aircraft and 5 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for AerCap’s owned aircraft portfolio and 7 aircraft for AerCap’s managed aircraft portfolio), 5 engines and 8 helicopters.
Executed 30 sale transactions for 23 aircraft (including 5 Airbus A320 Family aircraft, 2 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, 5 Boeing 737NGs, 4 Boeing 757s, 2 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and 1 Boeing 767-300ER from AerCap’s owned aircraft portfolio and 4 aircraft from AerCap’s managed aircraft portfolio), 4 engines and 3 helicopters.

The full year and fourth quarter numbers include transactions of the combined company for the period after closing of the GECAS acquisition on November 1, 2021. Transactions prior to closing are only included for AerCap on a stand-alone basis.

PLAY to lease four Airbus neo aircraft from GECAS

GECAS has reached an agreement to provide three A320neo and one A321NX narrow body aircraft from its skyline to PLAY, the newly operating Icelandic low-cost airline. The aircraft are scheduled to be delivered between autumn 2022 and spring 2023

Based in Reykjavík’s Keflavík International Airport and commencing operations in June of this year, PLAY’s current fleet of three A321neo connects passengers to ten locations across Europe. As Iceland offers a unique geographic location for transatlantic travel, these new technology narrow bodies offer greater capability to make connections within North America as well.

IAI and GECAS begin first Boeing 777-300ER SF passenger to freighter conversion

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has begun the structural modification phase in the conversion of the first Boeing 777-300ERSF, in partnership with GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). The beginning of the conversion marks the end of the development process and the start of the structural and systems modification phase. The conversion process will take approximately 130 days, at the end of which the passenger aircraft will be turned into a freighter aircraft.

The development process is complicated and highlights IAI engineers’ extensive experience in aviation, with their envisioned goal of creating a cargo conversion aircraft that will have the high quality and capabilities providing clients with the optimal solution. The passenger-to-freighter conversion includes changing the structure, which involves installing a new cargo door, replacing and strengthening the aircraft floor, installing reinforcements near the cargo opening, and modifying electrical systems to enable safe and convenient operation. In addition, the process will include receiving certification for the converted aircraft by the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), among others.

Over the past few years, there has been an increased demand for cargo jets due to a rise in e-commerce, which has peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically for the Boeing 767 model. As of today, all the slots for converting the Boeing 767 are filled until 2022. IAI is the leading conversion center for cargo jets, and among its customers are market leaders including as Amazon, DHL, UPS and others.

AerCap to acquire GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS)

AerCap Holdings N.V., the global leader in aircraft leasing, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement with General Electric (GE) under which AerCap will acquire 100% of GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), a GE business.

The combined company will be an industry leader across all areas of aviation leasing, with over 2,000 owned and managed aircraft, over 900 owned and managed engines, over 300 owned helicopters and approximately 300 customers around the world.

Kalitta Air to lease three 777-300ER SF aircraft

GECAS Cargo announced an agreement with Kalitta Air for three Boeing 777-300ERSF aircraft. With this agreement, Kalitta will be the first operator of the new passenger-to-freighter type, adding to their already sizable all-cargo fleet when these aircraft deliver in 2023.

Dubbed “The Big Twin,” the 777-300ERSF will be the largest ever twin-engine freighter. As announced a year ago, the conversion program is jointly funded by GECAS and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), with GECAS delivering the prototype aircraft to undergo conversion in June of this year. Setting a new benchmark for cargo operators, The Big Twin will be powered by GE90 engines, the world’s most powerful in-service engine.

With twenty years of providing scheduled and on-demand charter service in the United States and around the world, Kalitta Air currently operates a fleet of more than three dozen cargo planes, including 747-400F, 767-300SF and 777F.

“Providing air express delivery all around the world for virtually any type of freight, the addition of these three 777-300ERSF freighters will help us meet the needs of our customers,” shared Conrad Kalitta, owner of Kalitta Air.

“We are delighted to continue our 15-year relationship with Kalitta Air and proud they’ve become the launch customer with the 777-300ERSF freighter for its future air cargo operations,” said Rich Greener, SVP and Manager Cargo of GECAS, adding “The 777-300ERSF shares extensive commonality with the production 777-200LRF. That’s a benefit to any operator looking to bring a new type into their fleet.”

The Big Twin will also offer 25% more capacity and it is anticipated that The Big Twin will achieve up to 21% lower fuel-burn per tonne than the current 4-engine freighters with the GE90. This was designed specifically for the longer-range Boeing 777 series, providing up to 115,000 lbs. of thrust. In addition to producing the sole-source engine for the 777 variants, GE Aviation will support MRO engine and power-by-the-hour services to ensure continued performance throughout the lifecycle of the converted freighters.

David Neeleman’s new “Moxy” to start operations in May 2021

David Neeleman’s new airline, tentatively named “Moxy”, is due to receive its first first Airbus A220-300 from GECAS in April 2021.

The new carrier is planning to launch operations in May 2021.

Previously GECAS announced on June 17 the leasing company and David Neeleman’s new airline, code named ‘Moxy’, had agreed to a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the purchase and leaseback of nine Airbus A220-300 aircraft with deliveries scheduled in 2021 and 2022.

Mr Neeleman is a veteran airline entrepreneur, with a world renowned track record of success: he is the founder of both JetBlue and Azul Brazilian Airlines, and the controlling investor in the consortium which has turned around the fortunes of TAP Air Portugal. Mr Neeleman’s latest startup airline will be based in the United States and will focus on getting travelers where they want to go, quickly, conveniently and inexpensively.

In a shift away from crowded major metropolitan airports to nearby secondary airports and providing direct flights that bypass the hubs aboard the industry’s newest and most efficient single-aisle aircraft, the airline will drive time and cost efficiencies for its passengers.

“The A220-300 is the right airplane for a new airline that will be focused on passenger service and satisfaction,” said Neeleman, adding “With a low cost of operation and spacious cabin, the A220 will allow us to provide passengers with lower fares and a high quality, comfortable flying experience. The A220’s ability to operate profitably in thin, underserved markets across a broad spectrum of ranges is unique.”

“We’re exceptionally pleased to be a partner in David Neeleman’s vision and excited to welcome ‘Moxy’ as a new customer of GECAS and the A220-330 as a new type in our fleet,” explained Declan Kelly, Chief Commercial Officer of GECAS, noting “the A220 is ideal for this new venture – the new type is uniquely suited to serve smaller markets by providing the range needed for point-to-point operations with the right economics.”

Plane View Partners, a Los Angeles based aviation and aerospace advisory firm, acted on behalf of the airline for this sale and leaseback transaction with GECAS.

GECAS and David Neeleman agree to a Letter of Intent for nine Airbus A220-300 aircraft

GECAS and David Neeleman’s new airline, codenamed ‘Moxy’, have agreed to a Letter of Intent for the purchase and leaseback of nine A220-300 aircraft with deliveries scheduled in 2021 and 2022.

Plane View Partners, a Los Angeles based aviation and aerospace advisory firm, acted on behalf of the airline for this sale and leaseback transaction with GECAS.

Amazon partners with GECAS to lease an additional fifteen 737-800 converted freighters

Amazon continues to invest in ways to provide fast, free shipping for customers. Today, at the International Paris Air Show, the company announced a partnership with GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) to lease an additional fifteen Boeing 737-800 cargo aircraft. These fifteen aircraft will be in addition to the five Boeing 737-800’s already leased from GECAS and announced earlier this year. The aircraft will fly in the United States out of the more than 20 air gateways in the Amazon Air network.

“These new aircraft create additional capacity for Amazon Air, building on the investment in our Prime Free One-Day program,” said Dave Clark, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Operations at Amazon. “By 2021, Amazon Air will have a portfolio of 70 aircraft flying in our dedicated air network.”

“We’re delighted to support Amazon Air’s dedicated air network,” said Richard Greener, GECAS Cargo’s Senior Vice President. “The capability of the 737-800 freighter will further Amazon’s ability to provide reliable and regional delivery to its customers for years to come.”

Amazon Air’s operation launched in 2016 supporting package delivery to the rapidly growing number of customers who love fast delivery, affordable prices and vast selection. With advanced algorithms and software used for capacity and route planning, the Amazon Air operation can transport hundreds of thousands of packages per day. Amazon will open new air facilities this year at Fort Worth Alliance Airport, Wilmington Air Park, and Chicago Rockford International Airport. The main Air Hub at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport will open in 2021. Since its launch, Amazon’s air cargo operation has invested millions of dollars and created thousands of new jobs at locations across the U.S.

Amazon has launched several initiatives to ensure fast delivery speeds and supply chain capacity for its customers, including its Delivery Service Partner program, Amazon Flex, the company’s mobile application that allows individuals to sign-up, be vetted and begin delivering for Amazon, a dedicated network of over 10,000 trailers to increase trucking capacity and, now, the expanded fleet of cargo aircraft. These efforts join Amazon’s robust worldwide network of more than 185 fulfillment centers where the company uses high-end algorithms, robotics, machine learning and other technological innovations to increase delivery speeds for customers. Amazon is now bringing the same technological expertise to efforts in the transportation space to increase shipping capacity for customers.

Launching the 737-800 passenger-to-freighter conversion program in 2016 and delivering the inaugural Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) less than one year ago, GECAS has plans to convert at least 50 of this type, providing the capacity for the growing need for cargo air transport. The aircraft are equipped with a rigid cargo barrier and have 12 main deck pallet positions. The aircraft have a maximum structural payload of 23,500 kg (51,800lb) and a maximum range of over 2,100 nautical miles.

GECAS orders 10 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters, adds 15 options

GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) signed an agreement with Boeing at the Paris Air Show exercising 10 purchase rights to firm orders and adding 15 more purchase rights for the 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF).

The 737-800BCF, which is making its air show debut at Le Bourget this week, is Boeing’s newest freighter product. The company converts Next-Generation 737 passenger airplanes into cargo jets that are capable of carrying more payload – up to 23.9 tonnes (52,800 lbs) – and flying farther – 2,000 nautical miles (3,750 km) – than previous standard-body freighters.

Today’s order is the third time that GECAS has purchased Boeing’s newest freighter since the program was announced in 2016. GECAS, the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of General Electric [NYSE: GE], now has 65 orders and options for the 737-800BCF.

Boeing delivered the first in-service 737-800BCF to GECAS leasing customer West Atlantic AB last year. Boeing has delivered 14 737-800BCFs to date.

Photo: GECAS.

GECAS leases 7 Airbus A320neo aircraft to Vistara

GECAS has announced the signing of a lease contract for seven Airbus A320neos to enter service with Vistara, the India based full-service carrier and joint venture of Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, following deliveries from Airbus in the latter part of 2019 and continuing into 2020.

Commencing operations in January 2015 as one of India’s premier operators, Vistara, with its hub at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, has flown over 11 million customers. Operating an all-A320 fleet (with both 200s & neos), Vistara is the first airline in India to introduce premium economy class on domestic routes.

Photo: GECAS.