Commercial Aviation

CALC and SalamAir Sign Lease Deal for Two A320ceo Aircraft

CALC leases two Airbus A320ceo aircraft to SalamAir, supporting Oman’s fleet growth and Vision 2040 strategy with delivery in 2026.

Published

8 months ago

11 November 2025

AirPro News Team

CALC and SalamAir Forge New Partnership with A320ceo Lease Deal

In the dynamic world of global aviation, strategic partnerships are the bedrock of growth and expansion. A recent announcement highlights this, as China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (CALC), a major player in aircraft leasing, has signed an agreement with SalamAir, Oman’s rapidly growing low-cost carrier. The deal involves the lease of two Airbus A320ceo aircraft, marking a significant step for both companies and signaling fresh momentum in the Middle Eastern aviation sector.

This agreement is more than just a transaction; it represents the convergence of strategic goals. For CALC, it’s an entry into a new partnership with a promising carrier in a burgeoning region. For SalamAir, it’s the tangible start of an ambitious fleet expansion plan designed to meet rising passenger demand and support Oman’s national development strategy. As we break down the details, it becomes clear that this collaboration is a calculated move, reflecting broader trends in aircraft asset management and the operational calculus of low-cost airlines.

The choice of aircraft, the timing of the delivery, and the long-term lease structure all tell a story about market confidence and strategic foresight. This partnership not only strengthens the operational capabilities of SalamAir but also underscores the continued value of proven, cost-effective aircraft in a competitive market. It’s a handshake that connects a leading Asian lessor with the heart of the Middle East’s aviation ambitions.

Dissecting the Agreement: A Strategic Win-Win

The core of the announcement is a six-year lease agreement for two Airbus A320ceo aircraft, slated for delivery in the second quarter of 2026. These aircraft are not new from the factory; instead, they are sourced from CALC’s existing fleet, currently operating in the People’s Republic of China. This detail is crucial, as it showcases CALC’s expertise in asset management, efficiently transitioning aircraft between lessees to maximize their operational life and value. It’s a practical solution that provides SalamAir with the capacity it needs on a predictable timeline.

For SalamAir, this deal is the first concrete step in a recently announced expansion strategy. The airline aims to add 10 aircraft to its fleet over the next three years, bringing its total to 25. This lease agreement kicks off that plan, providing the necessary metal to fuel its growth. Adrian Hamilton-Manns, CEO of SalamAir, emphasized the collaborative nature of the process, stating, “As we developed and actioned our fleet expansion plan, CALC had been beside us as a willing partner.” This highlights the importance of finding a lessor that aligns with an airline’s long-term vision.

From CALC’s perspective, the partnership with SalamAir is a strategic success. It diversifies its customer base and extends its footprint into the vibrant Middle Eastern market. Winnie Liu, President and CCO of CALC, noted the significance of the deal, saying, “This agreement underscores the value of CALC’s diversified portfolio and asset management expertise, enabling efficient aircraft transitions that support both customer needs and sustainable portfolio performance.” It’s a testament to their model of providing comprehensive aircraft solutions globally.

The Power Players: A Closer Look at CALC and SalamAir

China Aircraft Leasing Group (CALC) is a formidable force in the aviation industry. Established in 2006 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 2014, it has built a reputation as a full-service aircraft solutions provider. Its business extends beyond simple operating leases to include purchase and leaseback arrangements, structured financing, and even aircraft disassembly and component sales. As of mid-2024, CALC’s portfolio included 199 aircraft, with a strong focus on in-demand narrow-body models, which constitute 90% of its owned fleet. This specialization makes them an ideal partner for airlines like SalamAir that rely on the A320 family.

SalamAir, though younger, has quickly become a key airline in the region. Commencing operations in 2017 from its base at Muscat International Airport, it has carved out a niche as Oman’s first low-cost carrier. The airline’s growth has been impressive, with projections to carry over 4 million passengers in 2025, a significant jump from 3.2 million the previous year. This expansion is not happening in a vacuum; it is a vital component of Oman’s “Vision 2040,” a national strategy aimed at diversifying the economy away from oil and boosting key sectors like tourism and logistics. A robust, growing national airline is central to achieving that vision.

The A320ceo: A Pragmatic Choice for Growth

In an era where the newer, more fuel-efficient A320neo (“new engine option”) often grabs headlines, the choice of the A320ceo (“current engine option”) is a deliberate and pragmatic one. While the neo offers fuel savings, the ceo remains a workhorse of the skies for several compelling reasons, especially for low-cost carriers. The primary advantage lies in its lower acquisition and leasing costs. For an airline focused on maintaining a low-cost base, the reduced capital outlay for a ceo can be more beneficial than the incremental fuel savings of a neo, particularly on shorter routes.

The A320ceo is a known quantity. With thousands still in operation worldwide, it is a reliable and well-understood platform. Maintenance infrastructure, spare parts availability, and pilot training programs are mature and widespread, which helps keep operational costs predictable and manageable. This reliability is critical for an airline undergoing rapid expansion, as it minimizes potential disruptions and allows for a smoother integration of new aircraft into the fleet.

The continued demand for reliable and cost-effective narrow-body aircraft keeps the A320ceo market active. Its lower operating lease rates are highly attractive for airlines focused on disciplined cost management during growth phases.

Furthermore, the availability of A320ceo aircraft on the leasing market is often better than that of the in-demand A320neo, which can have long waiting lists. By opting for readily available ceos from CALC’s fleet, SalamAir can execute its expansion plan without the long delays associated with new aircraft orders. This allows the airline to be more agile and responsive to market opportunities, adding capacity precisely when it’s needed to support its growing network.

Conclusion: Charting a Course for Future Success

The lease agreement between CALC and SalamAir is a clear illustration of a symbiotic relationship in modern aviation. CALC successfully places its assets with a reliable and growing carrier, expanding its global reach and demonstrating its asset management prowess. Simultaneously, SalamAir secures the aircraft necessary to launch its ambitious expansion plan, supporting its commercial objectives and contributing to Oman’s broader economic goals. It’s a deal grounded in mutual benefit and strategic alignment.

Looking ahead, this partnership reflects wider industry trends. The Middle East remains a hotspot for aviation growth, with low-cost carriers playing an increasingly important role in connecting the region. The continued relevance of the A320ceo also highlights a mature leasing market where proven, cost-effective assets remain indispensable tools for growth. As SalamAir integrates these aircraft and continues on its expansion path, this agreement will likely be seen as a foundational step in its journey to becoming a more significant player in the regional market.

FAQ

Question: What are the key details of the agreement between CALC and SalamAir?
Answer: The agreement is for the lease of two Airbus A320ceo aircraft. The lease term is for six years, with the aircraft scheduled for delivery to SalamAir in the second quarter of 2026.

Question: Why would SalamAir choose the older A320ceo model instead of the newer A320neo?
Answer: The A320ceo is a strategic choice for low-cost carriers due to its lower leasing costs, proven reliability, and greater immediate availability compared to the A320neo. This allows for cost-effective and timely fleet expansion.

Question: How does this deal fit into SalamAir’s overall strategy?
Answer: This is the first major step in SalamAir’s plan to add 10 aircraft over the next three years, expanding its total fleet to 25. This growth supports its goal of increasing passenger numbers and aligns with Oman’s “Vision 2040” for economic development.

Sources

SalamAir Press

Photo Credit: SalamAir

Commercial Aviation

BOC Aviation Leases Eight A321neo Jets to STARLUX Airlines

BOC Aviation signs lease for eight CFM LEAP-1A-powered A321neo aircraft with STARLUX Airlines, deliveries from 2028.

Published

5 hours ago

2 July 2026

AirPro News Team

BOC Aviation Limited has finalized a lease agreement with Taiwan-based STARLUX Airlines for eight Airbus A321neo aircraft, a transaction that will expand the carrier’s narrowbody fleet to support regional network growth.

Announced in a press release on July 1, 2026, the aircraft will be sourced directly from the Singapore-based lessor’s existing orderbook. Deliveries to STARLUX Airlines are scheduled to commence in 2028, providing the airline with additional capacity as it continues to scale its international operations.

Fleet Expansion and Technical Specifications

The eight leased narrowbody jets will be powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines. The Airbus A321neo selection aligns with STARLUX Airlines’ strategy to operate modern, fuel-efficient aircraft across its regional routes.

Paul Kent, Chief Commercial Officer at BOC Aviation, highlighted the operational benefits of the aircraft type for the growing Taiwanese carrier.

“The A321NEOs that will be delivered to STARLUX from 2028 are amongst the most fuel-efficient aircraft in production and should demonstrate their versatility in supporting the airline’s regional network growth,” Kent stated.

Strategic Growth for STARLUX and BOC Aviation

The lease agreement supports STARLUX Airlines as it broadens its route network. The carrier currently serves 32 destinations and is actively expanding its international reach. This includes preparations to launch its first European route, with service to Prague scheduled to begin on August 1, 2026.

For BOC Aviation, the transaction reinforces its leasing footprint in the Asia-Pacific market. As of March 31, 2026, the lessor reported a portfolio of 813 aircraft and engines, encompassing owned, managed, and on-order assets. The company’s global customer base includes 88 airlines across 46 countries and regions.

“We are delighted to be supporting Taiwan’s newest international airline with this landmark transaction for eight latest technology aircraft,” Kent added in the July 1 announcement.

AirPro News analysis

We view this transaction as a mutually beneficial alignment of BOC Aviation’s robust orderbook and STARLUX Airlines’ aggressive expansion timeline. By securing delivery slots for 2028 through a major lessor, STARLUX Airlines bypasses the extended backlog currently facing direct orders from Airbus SE. The choice of the Airbus A321neo equipped with CFM LEAP-1A engines provides the carrier with the range and economics necessary to deepen its regional footprint in Asia while it simultaneously deploys widebody aircraft on new long-haul routes to Europe and North America.

Sources: BOC Aviation

Photo Credit: STARLUX Airlines

Commercial Aviation

World Star Aviation Delivers Second 737-400SF to Skyway Airlines

World Star Aviation completes a two-aircraft lease with Skyway Airlines, delivering a second 737-400SF freighter to the Philippine cargo carrier.

Published

6 hours ago

2 July 2026

AirPro News Team

World Star Aviation (WSA) has finalized a two-aircraft lease agreement with Philippine cargo operator Skyway Airlines Inc. through the delivery of a second Boeing 737-400SF freighter.

Announced in a company press release on June 26, 2026, the handover increases Skyway’s total fleet to three aircraft. The addition is intended to support the carrier’s network expansion across the Asia-Pacific region.

Completing the two-aircraft agreement

The delivery concludes an arrangement that began with a letter of intent signed in June 2025. World Star Aviation delivered the first Boeing 737-400SF of the pair on October 27, 2025. That initial handover marked the lessor’s first registered cargo-aircraft in the Philippines.

Skyway Airlines Inc. Chief Executive Officer José Peralta stated the new capacity will directly support regional operations.

“It is with great excitement that we welcome our third aircraft, the second one from WSA. This addition will further enhance Skyway’s network within the Asia-Pacific region. We are grateful to WSA for their professionalism and dedication in delivering this aircraft,” Peralta said.

Lessor strategy and regional growth

For World Star Aviation, the transaction reinforces its footprint in the Asia-Pacific cargo sector. The lessor has positioned itself to supply converted narrowbody freighters to growing regional operators.

André Abreu, Vice President Marketing & Sales at World Star Aviation, highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the two companies.

“This second delivery reflects the strong relationship WSA has built with Skyway Airlines since its debut as a cargo airline. We are grateful for Skyway’s continued trust in our team and proud to support the airline’s growth with cost-effective freighter solutions,” Abreu said.

AirPro News analysis

We view the continued reliance on Boeing 737 Classic freighters, such as the 737-400SF, as a practical strategy for emerging cargo airlines in the Asia-Pacific market. While newer generation conversions like the Boeing 737-800BCF are becoming more prevalent, the 737-400SF offers a lower capital entry point for operators looking to scale capacity quickly. Skyway’s decision to triple its fleet over the past year indicates strong regional demand for dedicated narrowbody freight services.

Sources: World Star Aviation

Photo Credit: World Star Aviation

Commercial Aviation

Emirates SkyCargo Launches Boeing 777-300ERSF Operations

Emirates SkyCargo becomes the first combination carrier to operate the Boeing 777-300ERSF, flying Hong Kong to Dubai on June 30, 2026.

Published

17 hours ago

1 July 2026

AirPro News Team

Emirates SkyCargo has commenced commercial operations with its first Boeing 777-300ERSF, completing an inaugural flight from Hong Kong to Dubai on June 30, 2026. The deployment makes the Dubai-based operator the first combination carrier to utilize the passenger-to-freighter converted aircraft, commonly known in the industry as the “Big Twin.”

In a press release issued on June 30, 2026, Emirates detailed the integration of the converted freighter, registered as A6-EBK, into its expanding logistics network. The aircraft introduces a 25 percent increase in cargo volume compared to the production Boeing 777-F, targeting the high-volume, low-density requirements of the global e-commerce sector.

Fleet expansion and capacity metrics

The introduction of the Boeing 777-300ERSF marks the sixth freighter inducted into the Emirates SkyCargo fleet since March 2026, following the delivery of five production Boeing 777-F aircraft. The converted airframe provides 811 cubic meters of cargo volume and a payload capacity of 100 tonnes.

The spatial design of the 777-300ERSF accommodates 47 total pallet positions, which is 10 more than the standard Boeing 777-F. This volumetric advantage aligns with shifting air freight demands, as e-commerce goods currently constitute approximately 20 percent of global air cargo tonnage.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, stated that the induction represents the next step in the expansion of the fleet and operational agility.

“We are optimising our fleet assets by converting older Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft to meet the growing demand for air cargo capacity to transport goods rapidly across the world,” Abbas said.

The Big Twin conversion program

The Boeing 777-300ERSF conversion program is a joint venture launched in 2019 by aircraft lessor AerCap and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The modification process engineers older passenger airframes into dedicated freighters, extending the operational lifecycle of the Boeing 777-300ER.

The specific aircraft deployed by Emirates, A6-EBK, was originally delivered to the airline as a passenger jet in 2006. The conversion program achieved regulatory clearance in September 2025, receiving its Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the FAA and the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI).

Emirates plans to continue its fleet expansion through the end of the year. The carrier expects Delivery of five additional Boeing 777-F aircraft and one more converted Boeing 777-300ERSF by December 2026. Three additional converted Boeing 777-ERSFs are scheduled to join the fleet in 2027.

Network growth and strategic positioning

The rapid induction of new capacity has facilitated a significant expansion of the Emirates SkyCargo route map. The carrier’s global freighter network has grown from just over 40 destinations in February 2026 to 62 current destinations.

Abbas noted that the combination of the growing Boeing 777-F fleet and the new converted freighters allows the airline to provide scalable capacity and connectivity through its Dubai hub.

AirPro News analysis

We view the deployment of the Boeing 777-300ERSF by a major combination carrier like Emirates as a strong validation of the IAI and AerCap conversion program. While purpose-built freighters like the Boeing 777-F remain the backbone of heavy lift operations, the volumetric efficiency of the 777-300ERSF fills a specific and growing niche. With e-commerce driving demand for space over sheer weight, converting fully depreciated passenger airframes offers a capital-efficient method to capture market share. The aggressive delivery schedule through 2027 indicates Emirates is positioning itself to dominate the high-volume logistics corridors connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Sources: Emirates

Photo Credit: Emirates