This article is based on an official press release from Azorra.

Azorra Completes Sale of Two Airbus A330-300s to Xiamen Airlease

Fort Lauderdale-based aircraft lessor Azorra has officially announced the sale of two Airbus A330-300 aircraft to Xiamen Aircraft Leasing Co., Ltd. (“Xiamen Airlease”). The transaction, finalized on December 3, 2025, marks the first direct collaboration between the U.S. lessor and the Chinese mid-life asset specialist.

According to the company’s announcement, the two widebody aircraft, identified by Manufacturer Serial Numbers (MSNs) 1432 and 1579, are equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines. Both aircraft are currently on long-term lease to Sichuan Airlines, a major carrier based in Chengdu, China. The sale transfers the ownership of these assets to Xiamen Airlease while the aircraft remain in operational service with the airline.

This deal underscores the continued liquidity of the secondary widebody market and highlights the growing importance of cross-border partnerships in aviation finance. By selling these assets with leases attached, Azorra monetizes a portion of its portfolio while Xiamen Airlease acquires immediate revenue-generating equipment.

Transaction Overview and Asset Details

The aircraft involved in this transaction are classified as “mid-life” assets, having been manufactured approximately between 2013 and 2014. MSN 1432 was originally delivered new to Sichuan Airlines in July 2013, followed by MSN 1579 shortly thereafter. Both have served as core components of Sichuan Airlines’ all-Airbus fleet.

In a statement regarding the sale, Azorra emphasized the role of its diverse workforce in executing the deal. The transaction required significant coordination across time zones and languages, facilitated by Azorra’s Mandarin-speaking team members.

“We are proud to complete our first transaction with Xiamen Airlease and to deepen our relationships with key trading partners across the Asia-Pacific region. This transaction highlights the strength of Azorra’s diverse, multilingual team, including our Mandarin-speaking colleagues who were instrumental in supporting this deal.”

, John Evans, CEO of Azorra

For Xiamen Airlease, the acquisition aligns with its strategic focus on managing mid-to-late life aircraft. Based in the Xiamen Free Trade Zone, the lessor specializes in trading and asset management, often serving as a bridge between Chinese demand and the global leasing market.

“We are honored to establish cooperation with Azorra… We look forward to building a long-term and stable strategic partnership with Azorra in the future.”

, Edward Chen, CEO of Xiamen Airlease

Market Context: The Demand for Mid-Life Widebodies

The sale occurs against a backdrop of tightening supply in the global widebody market. Throughout 2025, production delays at major manufacturers have forced airlines to extend the operational lives of existing fleets. This dynamic has strengthened lease rates and residual values for aircraft like the Airbus A330-300.

AirPro News Analysis

We observe that this transaction represents a classic “win-win” in the current leasing environment. For Azorra, divesting these 11-to-12-year-old assets allows for capital recycling, likely funding their order book of newer technology aircraft such as the Airbus A220 and Embraer E2. Azorra’s model often involves optimizing portfolio mix, and selling mid-life assets at a time of high market value is a prudent financial move.

Conversely, Xiamen Airlease secures assets that fit perfectly into a “mid-life specialist” niche. As aircraft move into their second decade of service, they often transition from Tier 1 lessors to specialists capable of managing the asset through to eventual part-out or cargo conversion. With Sichuan Airlines continuing to expand its operations, the lease revenue attached to these aircraft remains secure, reducing the risk for the new owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this sale affect Sichuan Airlines’ operations?
No. The aircraft are sold “with lease attached,” meaning the operator (Sichuan Airlines) continues to fly the planes as usual. The only change is the entity receiving the monthly lease payments.

What engines are on these aircraft?
The two Airbus A330-300s are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, a common and reliable powerplant for this aircraft type.

Why are mid-life aircraft in demand in 2025?
Delays in the certification and delivery of new widebody aircraft (such as the Boeing 777X) have caused a shortage of capacity. Airlines are retaining older aircraft longer to meet passenger demand, which increases the value and utility of mid-life assets like the A330.

Sources: Azorra

This article is based on an official press release from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE).

DAE Secures Long-Term Lease Deal with AJet for 10 Boeing 737-8 Aircraft

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd. has officially announced a significant agreement to lease 10 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft to AJet, the low-cost subsidiary of Turkish Airlines. The deal, confirmed on December 3, 2025, underscores the continued expansion of the Turkish aviation sector and DAE’s role as a critical partner in fleet modernization for major carriers.

According to the announcement, the aircraft are scheduled for delivery beginning in 2026 and continuing through 2027. These new placements are intended to support AJet’s aggressive growth strategy as it establishes itself as a standalone entity following its spinoff from Turkish Airlines in early 2024. The agreement highlights the strong, ongoing relationship between the Dubai-based lessor and the Turkish Airlines group.

Strategic Fleet Expansion for AJet

The acquisition of these 10 Boeing 737-8 (MAX) aircraft aligns with AJet’s publicly stated ambition to significantly scale its operations. As a low-cost carrier (LCC), AJet is focused on operating fuel-efficient, high-density aircraft to maintain competitive operating costs while expanding its route network.

In a statement regarding the agreement, Firoz Tarapore, Chief Executive Officer of DAE, emphasized the strategic nature of the partnership:

“We are delighted to be chosen by long-time customer Turkish Airlines to provide them a solution to AJet’s growing fleet requirements with these new-technology, fuel-efficient aircraft. Türkiye is a fast-growing market… We thank Turkish Airlines and AJet for their ongoing trust in DAE.”

AJet has set ambitious targets for the coming decade. According to corporate strategy outlines released earlier in 2025, the airline aims to nearly double its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2033. This lease agreement provides the necessary capacity to replace older models and support new routes across Western Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.

DAE’s Financial Strength and Portfolio

This transaction reflects the robust financial health and portfolio depth of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise. As of late 2025, DAE manages a massive fleet ranging between 726 and 750 aircraft, with a total portfolio value estimated at approximately $23 billion. The lessor has maintained a strong focus on next-generation technology, with commitments to 236 Boeing aircraft, including 119 from the 737 MAX family.

DAE’s ability to execute such large-scale placements is supported by strong financial performance. In its financial-results for the nine months ending September 30, 2025, DAE reported a 100% increase in profit before tax to $653 million, alongside a 26% rise in revenue to $1.28 billion. These figures suggest that the lessor is well-capitalized to support the long-term leasing requirements of expanding carriers like AJet.

AirPro News Analysis: The 737-8 Advantage

The selection of the Boeing 737-8 is a calculated move for a low-cost carrier operating in the competitive European and Middle Eastern markets. The aircraft offers a 16-20% reduction in fuel use and CO2 emissions compared to previous-generation 737s. For AJet, this efficiency is critical for maintaining low unit costs.

Furthermore, the range of the 737-8, approximately 3,500 nautical miles, allows AJet to reach destinations as far as Western Europe and Central Asia from its hubs in Istanbul and Ankara without refueling. This capability is essential as the airline plans to expand its network to 44 countries.

Market Context: The Turkish Aviation Boom

The deal arrives during a period of substantial growth for Turkey’s aviation industry. Data from the Turkish Ministry of Transport indicates that flight movements in the country increased by 5.7% in the first half of 2025. The dual-brand strategy employed by the Turkish Airlines group, using the main carrier for premium hub traffic and AJet for point-to-point leisure traffic, requires distinct fleet solutions for each entity.

By securing these 10 aircraft, AJet ensures it has the hardware necessary to capture this growing market demand while adhering to the tight delivery timelines required for its 2026–2027 operational schedule.

Sources

• Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Press Release
• DAE Q3 2025 Financial Results
• AJet Corporate Strategy & Fleet Targets

Britten-Norman Secures Canadian Certification for BN2T-4S Islander

Britten-Norman, the United Kingdom’s sole independent commercial aircraft manufacturer, has announced a significant regulatory milestone for its North American operations. On December 2, 2025, the manufacturer received Type Certification from Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) for the BN2T-4S Islander. This approval clears the way for the Commercial-Aircraft to be sold to and operated by Canadian commercial and private entities, opening a critical market for the updated utility twin-turboprop.

The certification complements existing approvals from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to the company, new production build slots are immediately available at its manufacturing facility in Bembridge, Isle of Wight, alongside factory-refurbished pre-owned inventory.

The “Super Islander”: Technical Specifications

The BN2T-4S, often regarded as a “Super Islander,” represents a substantial evolution from the standard piston-powered BN2B and the earlier turbine BN2T models. Originally developed as the civil variant of the military Defender 4000, the -4S is designed to offer greater payload and range while retaining the short take-off and landing (STOL) characteristics the Islander family is known for.

Key technical upgrades cited in the release and technical specifications include:

• Powerplant: Twin Rolls-Royce Model 250-B17F turboprops producing 400 shp each.
• Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW): 8,925 lbs (4,048 kg), representing a roughly 30% increase over standard piston variants.
• Fuselage: Stretched by approximately one meter (39 inches) to accommodate staggered seating and increased legroom.
• Range: Approximately 1,006 nautical miles (VFR) with an endurance of up to 8 hours.
• Avionics: Equipped with the Garmin G600 TXi glass cockpit suite.

Mark Shipp, Technical Director at Britten-Norman, emphasized the complexity of the certification process in a statement:

“Achieving type certification for any aircraft requires extensive technical work and close collaboration with regulators. This approval is an important milestone for the Islander family.”

, Mark Shipp, Technical Director, Britten-Norman

Operational Fit for the Canadian North

The approval is particularly strategic for the Canadian aviation market, which relies heavily on robust utility aircraft to serve remote indigenous communities, mining operations, and “lifeline” routes in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. The BN2T-4S is certified for flight into known icing (FIKI), a mandatory capability for year-round operations in Canadian winters.

The aircraft’s STOL performance allows it to operate from unprepared strips as short as 400 to 500 meters. This capability is essential for connecting off-strip locations that lack paved runways. Richard Milne, Chief Operating Officer at Britten-Norman, highlighted the aircraft’s suitability for these environments:

“For operators serving remote and coastal regions, the BN2T-4S provides dependable performance across every mission. This certification strengthens our presence in key global markets.”

, Richard Milne, Chief Operating Officer, Britten-Norman

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AirPro News analysis: Bridging the Utility Gap

The entry of the BN2T-4S into the Canadian market addresses a specific gap in the current utility fleet. Operators often choose between the single-engine Cessna Caravan (lower cost but lacks twin-engine redundancy) and the DHC-6 Twin Otter (twin-engine capability but significantly higher acquisition and operating costs).

For operators requiring twin-engine safety for over-water or night flights,common in the Arctic,but who do not require the 19-seat capacity of a Twin Otter, the BN2T-4S offers a compelling middle ground. With a capacity of up to 10 seats and a lower price point than the Twin Otter, the -4S provides a modernization path for legacy operators looking to retire aging piston fleets without exiting the twin-engine category.

Corporate Context and Manufacturing

This certification comes as Britten-Norman executes a broader corporate turnaround. Following a financial restructuring in March 2024 and the celebration of its 70th anniversary, the company has repatriated its Manufacturing capabilities. After decades of outsourcing airframe production to Romania, Britten-Norman moved all production back to the UK in late 2023 and 2024. The company asserts that this shift ensures tighter quality control and streamlines the Supply-Chain for international deliveries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What engines does the BN2T-4S use?

The aircraft is powered by two Rolls-Royce Model 250-B17F turboprop engines, each generating 400 shaft horsepower.

How does the BN2T-4S differ from the standard Islander?

The -4S features a fuselage stretched by approximately one meter, a 30% increase in maximum take-off weight (8,925 lbs), and a modern glass cockpit, compared to the standard piston Islander.

Is the aircraft available now?

Yes, Britten-Norman has confirmed that new production build slots are available at their UK facility, and factory-refurbished models are also being offered.

Sources

• Britten-Norman Press Release