This article is based on an official press release from Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company and supplementary industry research.

Vietjet Secures 22 New Aircraft in Historic Year-End Fleet Expansion

Vietjet has officially launched the most significant fleet expansion in its operating history, receiving a total of 22 new Commercial-Aircraft during the 2025 year-end festive season. According to the airline’s latest announcement, this strategic influx of capacity is designed to meet surging travel demand for Christmas and the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet) 2026, while simultaneously supporting a broader international network growth strategy.

The delivery of these aircraft comes at a critical time for the global aviation industry, which continues to grapple with severe supply chain disruptions and delivery delays from major Manufacturers. By securing 22 aircraft in a condensed timeframe, Vietjet aims to bolster its operational resilience and capture market share during the peak holiday travel window.

Breakdown of the Fleet Expansion

The 22-aircraft addition comprises a mix of direct manufacturer deliveries and strategic wet leases, diversified across Airbus, Boeing, and COMAC models. This diversification allows the airline to serve high-density trunk routes, international connections, and niche island destinations effectively.

Airbus A321neo ACF: The Core Growth

A significant portion of the expansion involves seven new Airbus A321neo ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex) aircraft. These units are intended to serve as the backbone of Vietjet’s Vietnam-based operations. On December 4, 2025, the Airlines welcomed the latest of these jets, registered as VN-A580, at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

According to Vietjet, the A321neo ACF configuration offers up to 240 seats and provides substantial environmental benefits, including at least 16% fuel savings, up to 75% noise reduction, and 50% fewer emissions compared to previous generation aircraft.

Boeing 737-8 (MAX) for Vietjet Thailand

In a major milestone for its subsidiary operations, Vietjet has integrated nine Boeing 737-8 aircraft into the Vietjet Thailand fleet. The first of these, registered HS-VZA, arrived in Bangkok on November 23, 2025. This delivery marks the commencement of Vietjet’s historic order for 200 Boeing aircraft.

These aircraft are initially slated for the Bangkok–Chiang Mai route, with plans to expand into international service connecting Bangkok to Cam Ranh, Vietnam, later in December 2025.

Strategic Wet Leases and Niche Operations

To address immediate peak season capacity needs, the airline has also secured four wet-leased aircraft, likely Airbus A320s based on historical partnership patterns with providers such as Freebird Airlines. These “wet leases” include aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance, allowing for immediate deployment.

Additionally, industry reports indicate the inclusion of two COMAC C909 (formerly ARJ21) aircraft, wet-leased from Chengdu Airlines. These specialized regional jets are deployed specifically for routes connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao, an island destination with runway limitations that restrict larger jet operations.

Operational Strategy and Market Impact

Vietjet’s ability to secure such a large volume of aircraft amidst a global shortage is a focal point of their current operational narrative. The airline emphasizes that this move is not merely about holiday capacity but about long-term positioning in the Asian market.

“In a global context of aircraft shortages and disrupted supply chains… Vietjet’s ability to receive 22 modern aircraft in less than one month strongly affirms its reputation, strong financial capacity, and standing in the international market.”

, Vietjet Press Statement, December 5, 2025

AirPro News Analysis

From our perspective at AirPro News, this expansion highlights a divergence between Vietjet and many of its regional competitors who are currently scaling back due to engine recalls and delivery delays. By leveraging a mixed fleet strategy, utilizing both Airbus and Boeing, alongside wet leases, Vietjet is effectively hedging against single-source supply chain risks.

Financially, the market appears to be responding positively to this aggressive growth. Market data indicates that Vietjet Aviation JSC (VJC) stock is trading strongly, hovering around 207,500 VND as of early December 2025. With reported revenues of approximately $2 billion USD in the first nine months of 2024, the carrier has the capital required to sustain these leases and acquisitions. The move to secure capacity now positions them to maximize yields during the Tet 2026 period, where demand typically outstrips supply.

Route Expansion and Holiday Readiness

The new fleet will immediately support the airline’s Lunar New Year schedule. Vietjet has opened sales for approximately 2.5 million tickets for the Tet 2026 travel period (January–February). The additional capacity will allow for increased frequencies on key domestic trunk routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, Da Nang, Vinh, and Thanh Hoa.

Internationally, the expansion supports new routes targeting North Asia and Oceania. Beyond the new Bangkok–Cam Ranh service, the airline is progressing with plans for routes to Japan, South Korea, and a long-haul connection between Ho Chi Minh City and Auckland, New Zealand, utilizing its wide-body A330 fleet.

Sources

• Vietjet Air Official Press Release

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