Falko Outlines Q4 2023 Portfolio Activity
London, 26 February 2024
Falko Regional Aircraft Limited (Falko), the world’s largest asset manager and aircraft lessor focused solely on the regional aircraft sector, has provided a summary of its Q4 and full year 2023 portfolio activity.
In Q4 2023, Falko was involved in transactions relating to thirty-one aircraft during the quarter. Falko delivered six aircraft on lease and extended the leases relating to a further six aircraft. On the acquisition side, Falko added two aircraft to its Regional Aircraft Opportunities Fund II: one ATR72-500 on lease to Blue Islands from Aergo Capital Limited and one CRJ900 on lease to Air Canada, part of a four aircraft deal with Castlelake. On the aircraft trading side, two ATR72 aircraft were sold from the portfolio. In addition, Falko signed Letters of Intent (LOI) relating to the lease of two aircraft and the sale of eleven aircraft. A Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) was also signed, relating to the sale of two A220-300 to Macquarie AirFinance which concluded in January 2024. Activity is evenly split between the regional jet and turboprop product types.
Falko’s total activity during the whole of 2023 related to eighty-two aircraft. This included the addition of fourteen aircraft, the sale of four aircraft and new leases or lease extensions relating to thirty-one aircraft. In addition, LOIs and an SPA were signed relating to a further thirty-two aircraft, with one aircraft delivered on lease to a customer pursuant to a lease signed in the prior year.
As at 31 December 2023, Falko’s portfolio totalled 270 aircraft on lease to 41 customers worldwide.
Commenting on the activity in 2023, Mark Hughes Falko’s Chief Commercial officer stated: “Falko has had another year of strong activity levels, with total activity relating to eighty-two aircraft. As part of this, we were delighted to welcome Porter Airlines as a new airline customer to Falko’s portfolio and welcome back Eastern Airlines as a customer. Transactions involved customers from all jurisdictions reflecting the global demand for regional aircraft, as well as involving all regional aircraft product types under Falko management, including E-Jet, CRJ, ATR, A220 and DHC products, highlighting the diversity of our portfolio. Activity was focused on new leases and lease extensions which involved 47 aircraft in total including the deals under LOI. This is representative of the current market environment as airlines continue to secure aircraft capacity.”
Mark Hughes continued, “Supply side constraints in the aviation market was the prevailing theme during 2023, with the industry significantly impacted by ongoing labour shortages and supply chain issues. These constraints have had a knock-on effect on new aircraft deliveries as well as in the used aircraft market due to reduced MRO capacity and extended lead times on engine overhauls and aircraft repairs. The shortage of aircraft across the sector has increased demand for available used aircraft and in turn has driven up aircraft values and lease rates. We are extremely encouraged by the current market environment and the demand for regional aircraft which we expect to continue throughout the year and potentially into 2025.”
About Falko
Falko is the world’s largest asset manager and aircraft lessor focused solely on the regional aircraft leasing segment. Falko is one of the longest standing and largest managers of regional aircraft globally. Falko’s strategy is focused on growing its portfolio of funds and aircraft under management and the continued development of products and services in support of its aircraft lease management activity.
Falko was formed in July 2011 through the purchase of BAE Systems Asset Management and its associated aircraft portfolio. Falko is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chorus Aviation Inc. (TSX: CHR), an integrated provider of regional aviation solutions, including asset management services headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
For further information about Falko, visit www.falko.com or follow us on LinkedIn
Contact
Falko Regional Aircraft Limited
Phone +44 (0) 1707 271777