AerCap Holdings N.V. entered into a purchase‑and‑leaseback agreement with Virgin Atlantic for six new Airbus A330‑900 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026 and continue through the fourth quarter of 2027. The deal allows Virgin Atlantic to acquire the aircraft and immediately lease them back, providing the airline with modern, fuel‑efficient wide‑body capacity while giving AerCap a long‑term lease income stream.
The A330‑900, part of Airbus’s A330neo family, offers a 3,400‑mile range and a 20% reduction in fuel burn compared with older A330‑300s. Virgin Atlantic will receive the aircraft in a staggered delivery schedule that aligns with its planned fleet renewal, while AerCap will record a purchase price that reflects the aircraft’s high market value and secure lease revenue over the life of the agreements.
Virgin Atlantic’s decision to add six A330‑900s follows a return to profitability in 2024, when the airline posted record revenues of £3.3 bn and a pre‑tax profit of £20 m. The new aircraft support the airline’s goal of a 100% next‑generation fleet by 2028 and reinforce its sustainability strategy by lowering emissions per seat‑mile. The larger Premium and Upper cabins, along with additional Retreat Suites, are expected to enhance passenger experience and drive higher yields on trans‑Atlantic routes.
For AerCap, the transaction expands its portfolio of high‑technology, low‑operating‑cost aircraft and reinforces its position as a global leader in aviation leasing. The company’s Q3 2025 results showed record adjusted net income and an adjusted EPS guidance of approximately $13.70, reflecting strong demand for next‑generation aircraft and disciplined cost management. The new lease agreements add a predictable revenue stream that aligns with AerCap’s strategy of scaling its asset base while maintaining high credit quality.
Peter Anderson, AerCap’s Chief Commercial Officer, said the deal deepens a long‑standing partnership with Virgin Atlantic and highlights the A330‑900’s status as a sought‑after aircraft. Ansar Hussain, Virgin Atlantic’s CFO, noted that the new planes will debut larger Premium and Upper cabins and more Retreat Suites, underscoring the airline’s commitment to customer experience and fleet efficiency.
The transaction is expected to generate additional lease revenue for AerCap and support Virgin Atlantic’s fleet modernization plan, positioning both companies for sustained growth in a market that values fuel efficiency and operational flexibility.
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