Commercial Aviation
Flybondi Expands Fleet with 10 ACMI Aircraft for Summer 2024-25
Flybondi adds 10 ACMI aircraft to boost capacity for summer 2024-25, expanding routes and aiming to regain market share amid operational challenges.
Argentina’s ultra-low-cost carrier Flybondi has announced its most ambitious expansion to date, incorporating 10 aircraft under ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) lease agreements for the upcoming southern hemisphere summer season. This strategic move will enable the airline to operate approximately 15,000 flights between December 2025 and March 2026, offering over 2.8 million seats to passengers across 32 routes spanning both domestic and international destinations. The expansion arrives at a pivotal moment for Flybondi, which has faced operational challenges and declining market share while navigating Argentina’s evolving regulatory landscape under President Javier Milei’s liberalization policies. This comprehensive fleet augmentation represents both an opportunity for Flybondi to reclaim its position in the competitive Argentine market and a test of the ACMI model’s viability in South American low-cost aviation.
The significance of Flybondi’s expansion is underscored by the broader transformation of Argentina’s Airlines sector. Regulatory reforms, increased competition, and shifting passenger expectations have forced carriers to adapt rapidly. For Flybondi, the adoption of the ACMI model and the launch of new routes are not merely growth tactics, they are essential moves to maintain relevance in a market where operational reliability and cost efficiency are paramount. The coming months will reveal whether this strategy can deliver sustainable gains amid intensifying competition and persistent operational hurdles.
Flybondi launched in 2016 as Argentina’s first ultra-low-cost carrier, commencing commercial operations in early 2018 following regulatory reforms that opened the market to increased competition. The airline was founded with the aim of democratizing air travel, targeting the estimated 41 million Argentinians who had never flown. By 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global aviation, Flybondi had transported approximately 1.5 million passengers and secured a notable share of the domestic market. Its business model focused on high aircraft utilization, point-to-point routing, and ancillary revenue generation, operating exclusively Boeing 737-800s for efficiency.
The pandemic posed existential challenges for Flybondi, as travel restrictions and lockdowns decimated demand. Nonetheless, the carrier rebounded with a strategic plan in late 2021 to double its fleet and passenger volume by 2023. This “2X” program reflected confidence in pent-up travel demand and the airline’s ability to capture market share as restrictions eased. Flybondi’s approach has always been market-driven, with CEO Mauricio Sana emphasizing the importance of route selection based on commercial viability rather than political considerations. This focus has allowed Flybondi to maintain high load factors, frequently exceeding 90%, even during turbulent periods.
Flybondi’s early success was built on disciplined capacity management and aggressive pricing, appealing to price-sensitive travelers who might otherwise rely on ground transportation. Its resilience in the face of adversity and its commitment to operational efficiency positioned it as a disruptor in a market long dominated by state-owned Aerolíneas Argentinas.
Central to Flybondi’s current expansion is the introduction of 10 aircraft through ACMI leasing, a first for an Argentine carrier. This model allows Flybondi to quickly scale capacity without the long-term capital commitments associated with traditional aircraft ownership. ACMI leasing is particularly advantageous for seasonal peaks, enabling the airline to match capacity with demand and retain flexibility for future adjustments.
The deployment strategy is nuanced: seven aircraft will operate from Buenos Aires, supporting both domestic and international routes, while three will be based in Córdoba, Argentina’s secondary hub. This not only strengthens Flybondi’s presence in key markets but also supports the development of point-to-point routes that bypass congested Buenos Aires airports, offering more convenient options for travelers and reducing operational costs.
Five of the ACMI aircraft will be Airbus A320s supplied by Avion Express, marking Flybondi’s first foray into Airbus operations after years of flying only Boeing 737-800s. This diversification presents both opportunities and challenges, as it necessitates new crew training and maintenance protocols. ETF Airways will provide three Boeing 737-800s stationed in Córdoba, maintaining operational continuity with Flybondi’s existing fleet. The remaining two aircraft are yet to be confirmed, suggesting ongoing negotiations and flexibility in deployment. “The problem is not the fleet, but the chain of parts supply,” Flybondi CEO Mauricio Sana has stated, highlighting the operational challenges that have impacted reliability. This ACMI-driven expansion effectively doubles Flybondi’s operational capacity for the summer season. Scheduled from December 1st through March 2025, the timing aligns with Argentina’s peak travel period, maximizing revenue potential while limiting long-term exposure to fluctuating demand.
Flybondi’s expanded fleet supports a robust network of 32 routes, 22 domestic and 10 international, serving 24 destinations across Argentina and seven other countries. The domestic expansion focuses on enhancing connectivity from Córdoba, with new routes to El Calafate, Iguazú, and Ushuaia. These additions improve access to popular tourist destinations and reflect a strategic shift toward regional hubs outside Buenos Aires.
Internationally, Flybondi is reintroducing and expanding services to Brazil, Paraguay, and Peru. The Buenos Aires–Asunción route, relaunching December 1, is particularly notable as it was among Flybondi’s first international services. New routes from Buenos Aires and Córdoba to multiple Brazilian cities and the inaugural Puerto Iguazú–Lima service highlight Flybondi’s commitment to regional integration. The Lima route, operating four times weekly, marks Flybondi’s entry into the Peruvian market and is expected to boost tourism and economic ties across the region.
Charter operations further complement the network, with over 280 flights planned to destinations in Brazil and southern Argentina. These charters allow Flybondi to test market demand and provide flexibility during peak travel periods, supporting the airline’s broader strategy of matching capacity with seasonal demand.
“The Lima service is expected to boost tourism and economic ties across Argentina, Brazil, Peru and the wider region.” (Official announcement) Flybondi’s market share has faced significant pressure, declining from 25.8% in June 2024 to 19.4% in June 2025. This drop has placed Flybondi behind Aerolíneas Argentinas (56.7%) and JetSMART (23.9%) in the domestic market. JetSMART, in particular, has aggressively expanded, doubling its domestic capacity and operating one of South America’s youngest fleets, including the country’s first A321neo jets.
JetSMART’s success is attributed to fleet modernization, operational reliability, and strategic route development, including routes from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport. The carrier plans to end 2025 with 17 aircraft, a 112% increase over January 2023. JetSMART’s CEO has credited government reforms and currency stabilization for enabling this rapid growth.
Aerolíneas Argentinas remains a dominant force, maintaining extensive networks and achieving a record USD 137 million profit in Q1 2025 after significant cost-cutting. Meanwhile, international carriers such as GOL and Azul have increased their presence, particularly in the lucrative Brazil–Argentina market, further intensifying competition.
Operational reliability has become a critical issue for Flybondi, with the airline ranking among the worst globally for delays and cancellations. A notable crisis occurred in December 2024, when 70 flights were canceled over two days, affecting about 12,000 passengers. Over a single week, 154 flights were canceled, with significant disruptions at both Aeroparque and Ezeiza Airports. Passenger accounts have highlighted the impact of these disruptions, with some travelers facing multiple rescheduled or canceled flights and limited support. CEO Mauricio Sana has cited supply chain issues, particularly with spare parts, as a major constraint. Only 12 of the airline’s 15 aircraft were operational at one point, exacerbating the problem and limiting Flybondi’s ability to respond to contingencies.
Government intervention followed, with authorities requiring Flybondi to submit a corrective plan after canceling 20% of scheduled flights in November 2024. These operational challenges have contrasted sharply with competitors like Aerolíneas Argentinas, which maintained consistent service during the same period.
“Foreign investors tell us that we are not going to have [predictability] in the next three years,” Mauricio Sana remarked, underscoring the challenges of operating in Argentina’s volatile environment. Flybondi’s financial landscape shifted with the arrival of Miami-based COC Global Enterprise as the lead investor. This transition brings both financial resources and operational expertise at a time when Flybondi faces mounting challenges. COC has committed to operational consolidation, service improvement, and financial strengthening, while retaining existing shareholder Cartesian Capital Group on the board.
COC’s background in aviation and airport infrastructure provides valuable operational insights, potentially helping Flybondi address maintenance and supply chain issues. Although financial terms remain undisclosed, the Investments signals confidence in Flybondi’s long-term prospects and aligns with the airline’s ACMI-driven growth plans.
The broader financial context includes Argentina’s economic volatility and the contrasting profitability of Aerolíneas Argentinas. Flybondi’s declining market share suggests revenue pressures, making the new investment critical for executing its expansion strategy and restoring competitiveness.
President Milei’s administration has implemented sweeping liberalization policies, including Open Skies agreements and deregulation of airport access and ground handling. These changes have enabled both domestic and foreign carriers to expand operations and launch new routes, intensifying competition but also creating new opportunities for growth.
The ACMI model required regulatory adjustments, with Flybondi working closely with Argentina’s Civil Aviation National Administration (ANAC) to secure approval. This cooperation reflects a willingness to accommodate innovative operational models and support market competition.
Broader economic reforms, such as currency stabilization, have reduced operational uncertainty and encouraged investment. However, ongoing privatization debates regarding Aerolíneas Argentinas and evolving safety oversight continue to shape the competitive landscape. Argentina’s aviation market is experiencing robust growth, outpacing 2024 performance and benefiting from increased regional integration, especially with Brazil. The rise of low-cost carriers, fleet modernization, and technology adoption are reshaping market dynamics, with operational reliability and cost efficiency emerging as key differentiators.
Airport infrastructure investments and environmental sustainability initiatives are supporting continued expansion. However, market consolidation pressures may increase as competition intensifies and operational challenges persist.
Seasonal demand patterns and regulatory harmonization across the region will continue to influence capacity deployment and route development. The success of Flybondi’s expansion will depend on its ability to resolve operational issues and effectively integrate ACMI operations.
Flybondi’s summer expansion through ACMI fleet augmentation represents both a strategic opportunity and a critical test for Argentina’s pioneering ultra-low-cost carrier. By offering 2.8 million seats across 32 routes, Flybondi is making a bold bid to reclaim market share and restore customer confidence. The success of this initiative will hinge on the airline’s ability to resolve operational challenges, maintain service quality, and effectively manage the complexities of ACMI operations.
The broader Argentine aviation market is poised for continued growth, supported by regulatory reforms and infrastructure investments. Flybondi’s experience will serve as a case study in the challenges and opportunities of competing in a liberalized, rapidly evolving market. The coming months will reveal whether the carrier’s ambitious strategy can deliver sustainable gains and set a new standard for ultra-low-cost aviation in South Latin-America.
What is ACMI leasing and why is Flybondi using it? Which new international destinations is Flybondi adding? What operational challenges has Flybondi faced recently? How has Flybondi’s market share changed? Who is Flybondi’s new lead investor? Sources:
Flybondi’s Ambitious Summer Expansion: Argentina’s Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier Bets Big on ACMI Fleet Strategy
Background and Historical Context of Flybondi’s Market Position
Fleet Expansion Strategy and ACMI Model Implementation
Route Network Development and International Growth
Market Position and Competitive Landscape Analysis
Operational Challenges and Service Quality Issues
Financial Performance and Investment Changes
Regulatory Environment and Government Policy Impact
Industry Trends and Future Outlook
Conclusion
FAQ
ACMI leasing stands for Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance. It allows airlines to quickly scale capacity by leasing fully operated aircraft from other companies, offering flexibility and reducing long-term financial commitments. Flybondi is using ACMI to meet seasonal demand peaks during the summer.
Flybondi is launching new routes to Peru (Lima), Paraguay (Asunción and Encarnación), and expanding services to Brazil, including Salvador and Maceió, as well as enhancing connections from Córdoba.
Flybondi has experienced significant flight delays and cancellations, mainly due to spare parts supply chain issues and limited operational aircraft. These disruptions have led to government intervention and impacted the airline’s reputation.
Flybondi’s domestic market share declined from 25.8% in June 2024 to 19.4% in June 2025, placing it behind Aerolíneas Argentinas and JetSMART.
Miami-based COC Global Enterprise is now the lead investor, bringing aviation and infrastructure expertise to support Flybondi’s operational and financial recovery.
Flybondi Official News
Photo Credit: Flybondi
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
BOC Aviation Renews $3.5B Credit Facility with Bank of China to 2031
BOC Aviation extends its $3.5 billion revolving credit facility with Bank of China to 2031, securing liquidity for aircraft investments and growth.
This article is based on an official press release from BOC Aviation.
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.
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
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:
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.
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.
BOC Aviation Secures US$3.5 Billion Facility Renewal with Bank of China
Transaction Details and Management Commentary
Historical Evolution of the Facility
Operational Context and Financial Position
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: BOC Aviation
Commercial Aviation
American Airlines Named Official Airline of Women in Aviation 2026 Conference
American Airlines becomes the first Official Airline of the 2026 Women in Aviation International conference, funding scholarships and sponsoring key events.
This article is based on an official press release from American Airlines.
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.
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.”
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.
According to the partnership details, the scholarships include:
In addition to direct financial aid, the airline will sponsor key events during the conference:
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.
American Airlines Becomes First “Official Airline” of Women in Aviation International Conference
A Centennial Commitment to Diversity
Scholarships and Career Initiatives
Financial Support Breakdown
Event Sponsorships
AirPro News Analysis: The Industry Context
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: American Airlines
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Air Astana Orders 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to Expand US Routes
Air Astana finalizes $7B order for 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to modernize its fleet and enable direct flights to North America starting 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from Boeing and Air Astana.
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.
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:
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.
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
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.
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.
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: Boeing Mediaroom
Air Astana Finalizes Historic Orders for 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to Target US Routes
Deal Structure and Delivery Timeline
Technical Specifications and Fleet Modernization
Strategic Expansion: The “Holy Grail” of New York
AirPro News Analysis
Leadership Transition
Sources
Photo Credit: Boeing
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