**USA**: Delta Air Lines has secured a partnership with Azorra to enhance its A220-300 fleet using parts from an ex-EgyptAir airframe, addressing supply chain shortages and engine issues. This innovative strategy aims to benefit all stakeholders in the aviation sector.
Delta Air Lines is set to enhance its fleet of Airbus A220-300 aircraft by utilising components from an ex-EgyptAir airframe, following a strategic agreement with Florida-based lessor Azorra. This collaboration is particularly timely, as it aims to address ongoing shortages of spare parts that have been affecting the aviation industry.
Azorra, which purchased EgyptAir’s entire fleet of A220s over the past year, had previously grounded several of these jets due to engine issues, which became exacerbated by supply-chain delays. To maximise the value of the acquired fleet, Azorra has begun to part out one of the aircraft, which is currently undergoing teardown processes. The components harvested from this aircraft will be made available to Delta, effectively supporting the airline’s operational needs and repair demands for its A220 fleet.
Mike McBride, vice-president of maintenance at Delta Material Services, noted the importance of this partnership. “Our collaboration with Azorra is vital to ensuring we minimise the disruption caused by the parts shortages and supply chain issues our industry faces,” McBride stated. He further emphasised that this “innovative approach highlights the value of working with our stakeholders to share ideas and address current challenges to benefit all parties.”
In addition to providing parts, Azorra is leasing engines back to Delta as part of the support framework for the US airline’s A220 operations. The leasing company has positioned itself as a pioneer in this type of solution, positioning it as the first lessor to develop a part-out strategy specifically for the A220 aircraft model. Ron Baur, president of Azorra, expressed confidence in the A220, stating, “We’re big believers in the Airbus A220 and it remains a highly valuable and important asset to Azorra.” He characterised the decision to part out the airframe and lease the engines as a “creative solution” that focuses on generating long-term opportunities for the A220 to remain a viable option in the airline industry.
In total, Azorra holds orders for 22 new A220-300 aircraft along with the airframes acquired from the EgyptAir transaction, reflecting their ongoing commitment to the A220 programme and its future in commercial aviation.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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