Aircraft Lessor JSA Orders 50 A320neo Family Jets, and More

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Jackson Square Aviation Secures First Direct Airbus Order for 50 A320neo Family Jets

Jackson Square Aviation (JSA) has placed a firm order for 50 A320neo Family aircraft worth approximately $2.7 billion after standard industry discounts.

The deal marks JSA's first direct order with Airbus, establishing the aircraft lessor as a new Airbus customer, with deliveries scheduled to commence in 2031.

Key Points

• JSA is part of the Mitsubishi HC Capital Group, a global leasing company based in Japan and publicly listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange

• The order will include both A320neo and A321neo variants, though the exact mix remains undetermined

• No engine selection has been disclosed for the aircraft yet

• JSA currently manages a portfolio of 239 owned and managed aircraft

• The lessor placed its first direct order with an airframer in 2018 with Boeing

• A320neo Family aircraft offer 50% noise reduction and at least 20% fuel savings compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft

• These aircraft can operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel today, with capability for 100% by 2030

What It Means

By establishing a direct relationship with Airbus alongside its existing Boeing connections, JSA diversifies its procurement channels and strengthens its competitive position in the leasing market.

The 2031 delivery timeframe indicates a long-term confidence in continued demand for efficient single-aisle aircraft.

Other Key Aviation Industry Updates for Today 👇

2. GlobalX Strengthens Business Model with Strategic DHL and Entertainment Contracts

GlobalX Airlines has secured a six-month contract with DHL Express starting April 2025, using one A321 freighter to transport parcels within the US network.

The Miami-based airline has also landed a deal to transport rock band AC/DC during their North American tour beginning April 10.

GlobalX's cargo division generated 1,600 billable hours in Q4 2024, quadrupling year-over-year performance, while the company continues to shift toward more stable ACMI contracts, which now represent 60% of revenue.

3. GE Plans Major US Manufacturing Boost with Billion-Dollar Commitment

GE Aerospace announced today it will invest nearly $1 billion in US manufacturing facilities and supply chains in 2025, almost double last year's commitment.

The investment will enhance production capabilities, improve engine safety, and integrate advanced materials across 24 communities in 16 states.

The company plans to hire 5,000 US workers this year in manufacturing and engineering roles.

Specific investments include $113 million in Cincinnati, $70 million in Michigan, and over $100 million for materials innovation like 3D printing.

4. Vietnam Airlines Partners with Sabre to Optimize Growing Global Network

Vietnam Airlines has selected Sabre Corporation's Network Planning and Optimization technology to support its international expansion plans.

The airline recently added routes to the US, Germany, India, Italy, and the Philippines, with more destinations across Europe, Canada, Australia, and Asia in exploration.

Vietnam Airlines will implement Sabre's Fleet Manager, Profit Manager, Network Manager, and Schedule Manager to optimize routes, schedules, and profitability.

The flag carrier currently operates nearly 100 routes to 22 domestic and 31 international destinations in 18 countries.

5. Avelo Boosts US and Caribbean Connectivity with 13 New Routes

Avelo Airlines has announced a significant expansion, adding 13 new routes and three new destinations, including Nassau, Bahamas, as its fourth international location.

Starting June 11, 2025, Avelo will offer twice-weekly flights from Raleigh-Durham to Nassau. The expansion also includes new services to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Long Island, New York.

With fares starting at $39, Avelo now serves 56 cities across 23 states, Puerto Rico, and four international destinations.

The airline will use Boeing 737 Next-Generation aircraft for these routes, enhancing its affordable and convenient air service options.

6. Airlines Address Corrosion Issues in Airbus A220 Fleet

Airbus is investigating corrosion issues on a "limited population" of A220 passenger jets, including some operated by US airlines.

The problem affects passenger seat fittings and wing-to-body fairings, which are non-structural components.

Delta Air Lines, the largest A220 operator, has found corrosion on seat fittings requiring additional inspection and lubrication. JetBlue and Breeze Airways are also addressing the issue.

All parties, including the FAA, confirm the corrosion poses no immediate safety risk and doesn't impact flight operations or reliability.

Regular maintenance checks are in place to detect and correct the problem early.

7. Airbus Expands Helicopter Lineup with New H140 Light Twin Helicopter

Airbus Helicopters unveiled its new H140 light twin-engined helicopter yesterday at the VERTICON show in Dallas.

The 3-tonne class rotorcraft features a five-blade bearingless main rotor, T-shaped tail boom with optimized Fenestron, and two 700-shp Safran Arrius 2E engines.

Designed for emergency medical services, passenger transport, and private aviation, the H140 offers 20% larger cabin space, improved performance, and enhanced comfort compared to the H135.

The helicopter secured 35 firm orders on its debut day and is scheduled to enter service in 2028.

8. Vertical Aerospace Advances VX4 Program with Third Prototype Construction

Vertical Aerospace is assembling its third and final VX4 eVTOL prototype at GKN Aerospace's Global Technology Centre, following successful piloted thrustborne testing completed in February 2025.

The company has secured $220 million in funding, including a $90 million public offering, to sustain operations through 2025.

With over 30 piloted test flights conducted and 5 million data points collected, Vertical is now preparing for wingborne flight within the next 3-6 months.

The company remains on track for aircraft certification in 2028, positioning itself as Europe's leading eVTOL developer.

9. NTSB Calls for Permanent Helicopter Restrictions After Fatal DC Collision

The NTSB has recommended permanently banning helicopter flights along Route 4 between Hains Point and Wilson Bridge when runways 15/33 are in use at Reagan National Airport.

This follows January's deadly mid-air collision that killed 67 people.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy extended current restrictions after the NTSB found an "unacceptable risk" with only 75 feet of vertical separation between aircraft.

Data revealed at least one collision alert monthly since 2011, with 85 incidents of aircraft coming within 1,500 feet laterally and 200 feet vertically between 2021-2024.

10. Business Aviation Seeks Stability Amid Evolving International Tariff Rules

Business aviation companies are navigating complex tariff changes implemented by the Trump administration.

As of March 7, imports from Canada and Mexico that qualify for USMCA preference were exempt from additional tariffs, while non-qualifying goods face 25% tariffs. Chinese imports now carry a 20% tariff, increased from 10% on March 4.

Aircraft manufacturers like Airbus and Bombardier warn that these costs will be passed to U.S. customers.

The aviation industry must also contend with potential parts and service cost increases while the tariff situation remains fluid through at least April 2, 2025.