Image: Gary Topp: TrueNoord
TrueNoord, the specialist regional aircraft lessor, has finalised operating lease agreements with Breeze Airways for three Embraer E190s.
The aircraft are based in the US and are already deployed across the Breeze Airways network which provides low-cost, non-stop routes to 35 underserved destinations across the US. They form part of the portfolio of ten Embraers that TrueNoord acquired from Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) earlier this year. This transaction introduced new lessee airlines from North America, Canada, and South Africa, as well as increased TrueNoord’s fleet presence with existing European airline customers in France and Portugal.
Strong business
Garry Topp, sales director – Americas, TrueNoord said: “We are very pleased to further expand our footprint in North America by adding three Breeze Airways’ operated Embraers to our portfolio. Breeze is shaping a strong and expanding business by offering point-to-point travel to new city pairs. This fly-direct option is delivering a sustainable and practical choice for US travellers, rather than transit through the large city hubs. As a lessor, TrueNoord specialises in the regional airline sector, and Breeze is innovating in this sector, so we see them as an excellent fit and welcome them to our global lessee family.”
Topp goes on to observe that the commercial market in the US is strong, with passenger demand above pre-pandemic levels. However, he points out that regional aviation in the US has been under pressure because of the acute pilot shortage which has disproportionately affected the sector.
“Going forward, the market is recovering with recruitment and training programmes building up across the US for more aircrew,” he said. “The vast US market will always have a need for regional connectivity for shorter and thinner routes at an attractive trip cost. New entrants, such as Breeze Airways, are also finding ways to develop the sector by creating new routes and expanding customer choice. For TrueNoord, the regional aviation sector in the US offers interesting opportunities for fleet renewal now and in the future as older aircraft are retired.”
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