3TOP Acquires Ex-easyJet Airbus A319s to Support Aviation Supply Chain

This article is based on an official press release from 3TOP Aviation Services.

On April 27, 2026, UK-based 3TOP Aviation Services (3TOP) announced the acquisitions of three ex-easyJet Airbus A319-100 aircraft. According to an official company press release, the airframes are slated for teardown and parts harvesting, while the highly sought-after engines will be integrated directly into the company’s leasing and trading pool.

We note that this strategic move comes at a critical time for the global aviation aftermarket. As the industry grapples with severe supply chain constraints and persistent engine shortages, the injection of high-quality Used Serviceable Material (USM) into the market provides essential relief for operators and maintenance providers worldwide.

Strategic Acquisition Amidst Supply Chain Constraints

The Assets and Their Operational Future

The transaction involves three narrowbody aircraft bearing Manufacturer Serial Numbers (MSNs) 4425, 4427, and 4444. As detailed in the 3TOP press release, these aircraft are powered by CFM56-5B5/3 engines that feature low cycle utilization following recent shop performance restorations. The company plans to dismantle the airframes to harvest inventory, providing critical components to the global aftermarket.

Rather than undergoing teardown, the associated engines will bypass the disassembly process entirely. The press release states that these engines will be integrated into 3TOP’s asset pool, becoming immediately available to support airline and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) requirements.

“Executing a multi-aircraft transaction of this nature highlights 3TOP’s ability to deploy capital efficiently while maintaining a disciplined and selective investment approach,” said Chris Emechete, CEO at 3TOP, in the company’s announcement. “With limited availability of quality feedstock, our focus remains on acquiring assets that offer clear demand visibility and strong liquidity.”

Historical Context of the Ex-easyJet Fleet

From Pandemic Grounding to Sanctions

Industry research indicates that these specific airframes have a complex operational history. Formerly registered as G-EZFZ, G-EZGA, and G-EZGC, the aircraft were retired from revenue service by easyJet in March 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, historical data shows these jets were originally leased from GTLK, the State Transport Leasing Company of Russia. Following the imposition of European Union sanctions on GTLK in 2022 in response to the invasion of Ukraine, easyJet officially terminated the leases. The aircraft were subsequently stored in locations including Madrid Barajas and Larnaca before ultimately being acquired by 3TOP.

3TOP’s Financial Growth and Market Position

Capitalizing on the Disassembly Boom

The acquisition highlights 3TOP’s rapid expansion within the commercial aircraft disassembly market, which industry estimates value at approximately $8.23 billion in 2026. According to corporate background data, 3TOP has seen its revenue surge from a pandemic low of £3 million in 2021 to £70 million in 2025.

To support this international growth and its aircraft recycling initiatives, the company secured a £20 million trade finance facility from HSBC UK, backed by UK Export Finance (UKEF), in September 2025. This financial backing has positioned the company to aggressively pursue high-value assets in a constrained market.

AirPro News analysis

We view this acquisition as a highly effective market arbitrage by 3TOP. By securing grounded assets that have been entangled in geopolitical sanctions and stored since 2020, the company is unlocking valuable CFM56 engines and A320-family components. In 2026, the aviation industry is facing a “teardown pause” as delayed new aircraft deliveries force operators to keep older planes in service longer. Consequently, narrowbody feedstock is incredibly scarce.

Industry data shows that engines alone account for over 51% of the value recovery in aircraft teardowns. 3TOP’s direct integration of these low-cycle CFM56 engines is a lucrative move that directly addresses the current global supply chain deficit. Furthermore, the teardown and harvesting of these aircraft align with a growing industry push toward the circular economy, preventing the carbon-intensive manufacturing of new components.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What aircraft did 3TOP Aviation Services acquire?

3TOP acquired three ex-easyJet Airbus A319-100 aircraft, specifically MSNs 4425, 4427, and 4444.

What will happen to the engines from these aircraft?

The CFM56-5B5/3 engines, which feature low cycle utilization, will bypass the teardown process and be added directly to 3TOP’s asset pool for immediate leasing or trading to airlines and MROs.

Why were these specific aircraft grounded for so long?

The aircraft were initially retired by easyJet in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their return to service was further complicated when their original lessor, Russian state-owned GTLK, was sanctioned by the European Union, leading easyJet to terminate the leases in May 2022.

Sources: 3TOP Aviation Services Press Release