This article is based on an official press release from BOC Aviation.

BOC Aviation Secures US$3.5 Billion Facility Renewal with Bank of China

BOC Aviation Limited has officially announced the renewal of its US$3.5 billion unsecured revolving credit facility (RCF) with its majority shareholder, the Bank of China. Confirmed on February 16, 2026, the transaction extends the maturity of the facility to February 13, 2031, providing the Singapore-based lessor with a five-year horizon of secured liquidity.

The renewal maintains the facility’s total value at the same level established during its 2020 expansion. According to the company, this move is designed to bolster financial flexibility and ensure consistent access to capital for aircraft investments, regardless of broader market cycles. The agreement underscores the continued financial backing BOC Aviation receives from its parent company, a critical differentiator in the competitive aircraft leasing sector.

Transaction Details and Management Commentary

The renewed agreement is an unsecured revolving credit facility, a structure that allows BOC Aviation to draw down, repay, and re-borrow funds as needed up to the US$3.5 billion limit. By extending the maturity date to 2031, the lessor secures a long-term funding runway to support its growth strategy.

Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of BOC Aviation, emphasized the strategic importance of this renewal in a statement released by the company. He highlighted the alignment between the lessor and its parent organization.

“This RCF extension reflects the confidence that Bank of China has in the future of our business and underscores the depth of our relationship with our major shareholder. The facility strengthens our financial flexibility and ensures our access to ample liquidity to support our aircraft investments across the cycle.”

, Steven Townend, CEO of BOC Aviation

Historical Evolution of the Facility

The credit facility has grown significantly alongside BOC Aviation’s fleet over the last two decades. The company provided a timeline of the facility’s evolution, illustrating the increasing scale of support from the Bank of China:

• 2007: Initial facility established at US$1 billion.
• 2009: Facility doubled to US$2 billion.
• 2020: Expanded to the current level of US$3.5 billion.
• 2026: Renewed at US$3.5 billion with maturity extended to 2031.

Operational Context and Financial Position

This liquidity event occurs against a backdrop of significant operational activity for the lessor. As of December 31, 2025, BOC Aviation reported a total portfolio of 815 aircraft and engines, including owned, managed, and ordered assets. The company’s reach extends to 87 airlines across 46 countries and regions.

Data released regarding the full year 2025 indicates robust activity, with the company taking delivery of 51 new aircraft and executing a record 333 transactions. These transactions included 160 aircraft purchase commitments, signaling an aggressive growth posture that necessitates substantial available capital.

In addition to the RCF renewal, BOC Aviation has recently moved to diversify its funding sources. In early February 2026, the company successfully priced US$500 million in senior unsecured notes. The combination of these notes and the renewed RCF provides a multi-layered capital structure to fund future acquisitions.

AirPro News Analysis

The renewal of this facility highlights a structural advantage for BOC Aviation compared to independent lessors. In a high-interest-rate environment or during periods of market volatility, the cost of funds is a primary determinant of a lessor’s profitability. The direct backing of a major state-owned bank allows BOC Aviation to secure large-scale liquidity that might be more expensive or difficult to arrange for competitors without similar parentage.

Furthermore, with supply chain constraints continuing to affect Airbus and Boeing deliveries in 2026, lessors with ready cash are better positioned to execute sale-and-leaseback (SLB) transactions with airlines desperate for liquidity. By locking in US$3.5 billion in revolving credit through 2031, BOC Aviation is effectively positioning itself to act as a liquidity provider to the airline industry, potentially acquiring assets at attractive valuations while manufacturers struggle to meet delivery targets.

Sources

• BOC Aviation Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from American Airlines.

American Airlines Becomes First “Official Airline” of Women in Aviation International Conference

As American Airlines prepares to celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2026, the carrier has announced a historic partnership with Women in Aviation International (WAI). According to an official announcement from the company, American Airlines has been named the first-ever “Official Airline” of the WAI annual conference.

The 37th Annual WAI Conference is scheduled to take place from March 19–21, 2026, at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. The location is strategically significant, situated near the airline’s global headquarters in Fort Worth. This collaboration marks a shift in the airline’s engagement with the nonprofit, moving from general support to a titular sponsorship role during its 100th year of operation.

A Centennial Commitment to Diversity

The partnership is framed as a central component of American Airlines’ 100th-anniversary celebrations. While the airline reflects on a century of connecting locations, this initiative highlights a forward-looking focus on workforce development and inclusion. By securing the “Official Airline” title, American aims to leverage its “hometown advantage” in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex to recruit and inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.

Cole Brown, Chief People Officer at American Airlines, emphasized the strategic importance of this alliance in a statement released by the company:

“At American, we believe building a culture where women and girls are represented, empowered and able to thrive as leaders is vital to the future of our industry. As we celebrate our centennial year, we’re proud to partner with WAI… to honor our legacy of innovation and reinforce our commitment to developing the future of the aviation workforce.”

Scholarships and Career Initiatives

Beyond the titular sponsorship, the press release details specific financial commitments aimed at reducing barriers to entry for women in aviation. American Airlines confirmed it will fund a total of eight scholarships for conference attendees. These awards are designed to address specific technical shortages in the industry.

Financial Support Breakdown

According to the partnership details, the scholarships include:

• Pilot Training: Up to four scholarships, each valued at $7,500, specifically for aspiring professional pilots.
• Engineering: Two scholarships, valued at $7,500 each, designated for students pursuing degrees in aeronautical, electrical, or mechanical engineering.

Event Sponsorships

In addition to direct financial aid, the airline will sponsor key events during the conference:

• Pioneer Hall of Fame Dinner: A ceremony honoring women who have made historic contributions to aviation.
• Girls in Aviation Day: American will sponsor the Career Panel at the Dallas event on March 21, aimed at introducing young girls to aviation careers.
• Networking Reception: A dedicated event to facilitate professional connections among the estimated 5,000 attendees.

AirPro News Analysis: The Industry Context

While the partnership represents a significant public relations milestone, it also highlights the ongoing disparity in gender representation within the cockpit. Industry data indicates that the global average for female airline pilots remains between 4% and 6%. American Airlines currently reports that approximately 5% of its pilots are women.

Comparatively, United Airlines leads major U.S. carriers with approximately 7.4% female pilot representation, while Delta Air Lines sits at roughly 5.3% and Southwest Airlines at 4.1%. The scholarships funded by this partnership target the “pipeline gap.” While women make up less than 20% of the total aviation workforce, they currently represent approximately 15% of student pilots. Initiatives like the WAI conference are critical for converting these students into career professionals.

Lynda Coffman, CEO of Women in Aviation International, noted the significance of the airline’s involvement:

“As the Official Airline of this year’s annual conference, American has an important role in welcoming our estimated 5,000 WAI2026 attendees to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.”

Historically, American Airlines has played a role in breaking gender barriers; in 1973, it became the first major U.S. commercial carrier to hire a female pilot, Bonnie Tiburzi Caputo. This new partnership appears designed to reinforce that legacy as the carrier enters its second century.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the WAI 2026 conference?

The 37th Annual Women in Aviation International Conference will be held March 19–21, 2026, at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.

How many scholarships is American Airlines funding?

The airline is funding eight scholarships in total, including awards for pilot training and engineering students.

What is the value of the pilot scholarships?

The pilot training scholarships are valued at $7,500 each.

Sources

• American Airlines Newsroom

This article is based on an official press release from Boeing and Air Astana.

Air Astana Finalizes Historic Orders for 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to Target US Routes

On February 17, 2026, Air Astana JSC, the flag carrier of Kazakhstan, officially finalized a major agreement with Boeing for up to 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The deal, announced in Seattle, marks the largest single aircraft purchase in the airline’s history and signals a pivotal shift in its long-haul strategy. Valued at approximately $7 billion at list prices, the agreement is designed to modernize the carrier’s widebody fleet and facilitate direct operations to North America.

The acquisition comes at a critical transition point for the Airlines, coinciding with a leadership change and following its recent IPO. According to the official announcement, the new fleet will replace aging Boeing 767s and provide the range necessary to navigate complex geopolitical airspace restrictions while connecting Central Asia to the United States.

Deal Structure and Delivery Timeline

The agreement creates a long-term pipeline for fleet renewal. According to details released regarding the Contracts, the order for 15 aircraft is structured in three tiers:

• 5 Firm Orders: Guaranteed purchases scheduled for production.
• 5 Options: Reserved slots with fixed pricing that the airline may exercise later.
• 5 Purchase Rights: A flexible agreement allowing for future expansion under agreed terms.

While the newly purchased jets are scheduled for delivery between 2032 and 2035, Air Astana will begin operating the Dreamliner much sooner. Through a separate agreement with Air Lease Corporation (ALC), three leased Boeing 787-9s are expected to join the fleet in the first quarter of 2026. These leased units will allow the carrier to begin pilot training and route expansion immediately, bridging the gap until the direct orders arrive.

Technical Specifications and Fleet Modernization

The selection of the 787-9 variant represents a significant upgrade in capacity and efficiency over Air Astana’s current widebody workhorse, the Boeing 767-300ER. Data provided in the announcement indicates the new Dreamliners will feature a two-class configuration with 303 seats, a substantial increase from the 223 seats offered on the 767s.

In a notable strategic pivot, Air Astana has selected General Electric GEnx-1B engines to power the new fleet, moving away from a 2012 intention to utilize Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. The airline cites the 787-9’s superior fuel efficiency and range, approximately 7,530 nautical miles, as critical factors in the decision.

“Boeing airplanes have been integral to Air Astana’s operations from the beginning. We are proud that the 787 Dreamliner will support Central Asia’s growing importance in global aviation.”

, Paul Righi, VP of Commercial Sales (Eurasia), Boeing

Strategic Expansion: The “Holy Grail” of New York

A primary driver behind this investment is the airline’s ambition to launch non-stop service from Kazakhstan to New York (JFK). This route has long been a strategic goal but faces significant logistical hurdles due to the closure of Russian airspace following geopolitical sanctions.

The current geopolitical climate necessitates a southern route over the Caspian Sea, Turkey, and Europe, adding considerable distance to the flight path. The extended range of the Boeing 787-9 is essential to making this detour commercially and operationally viable, allowing Air Astana to bypass Russian airspace without sacrificing payload or requiring technical stops.

AirPro News Analysis

The timing of this order suggests Air Astana is aggressively positioning itself as the dominant connector in the Central Asian market, outpacing regional competitors like Uzbekistan Airways. By securing the 787-9, the airline is not only solving the immediate problem of airspace restrictions but is also future-proofing its fleet against fuel price volatility. The shift to GE engines likely reflects a desire for reliability on these ultra-long-haul routes, where engine performance over remote regions is paramount.

Leadership Transition

The finalization of this order serves as a capstone achievement for outgoing CEO Peter Foster, who is set to retire in March 2026. Foster has led the airline through its recent IPO and this historic fleet renewal. He will be succeeded by current CFO Ibrahim Canliel, who will oversee the financial integration of these assets.

“The 787-9’s advanced technology and efficiency will allow us to connect Kazakhstan to new markets, including North America, with a superior passenger experience.”

, Peter Foster, Outgoing CEO, Air Astana

Sources

Sources: Boeing Mediaroom