AerFin secures 44 Qantas 737NGs in largest acquisition to date

The agreement covers 44 Boeing 737NG aircraft and 88 CFM56-7B engines, with deliveries scheduled over seven years as Qantas progressively renews its domestic fleet.

AerFin secures 44 Qantas 737NGs in largest acquisition to date

AerFin has agreed to acquire 44 Boeing 737NG aircraft and their 88 CFM56-7B engines from Qantas in the largest transaction in the aviation aftermarket specialist’s history.

The agreement will see the aircraft transferred to AerFin over the next seven years, with the first deliveries expected before the end of 2026.

The acquisition will expand AerFin’s portfolio of aviation assets and provide additional material and aftermarket support options for airline and MRO customers worldwide.

It also strengthens the company’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region as demand for used serviceable material and aircraft lifecycle solutions continues.

Simon Goodson, chief executive of AerFin, said: “This is a landmark transaction for AerFin and a defining moment in our growth journey. 

"Completing the largest deal in our history demonstrates the scale of our ambition, the strength of our team and the confidence the market has in our ability to deliver.

“Transactions of this size require deep technical expertise, strong financial capability and trusted partnerships. 

"We’re proud to be working with Qantas on this agreement and look forward to maximising value from these assets while continuing to support customers across the global aviation aftermarket.”

The transaction will also support Qantas’ long-term fleet renewal programme, allowing the airline to progressively retire much of its existing 737 fleet as replacement aircraft enter service.

Qantas Domestic chief executive, Markus Svensson, said: “Our 737s have been the workhorse of the Qantas domestic operation, and will continue flying for us for many years, alongside our growing fleet of next generation aircraft.

“This agreement allows us to plan for the retirement of the majority of our 737 fleet while also providing flexibility to adjust the timing as new aircraft arrive.”

Qantas expects to receive up to 24 new aircraft during 2026 as part of its fleet modernisation programme.

James Bennett, chief commercial officer at AerFin, said the acquisition demonstrated the company's ability to execute large-scale transactions while expanding its aftermarket activities in Asia-Pacific.

“The Asia-Pacific market continues to present significant opportunities for the aviation aftermarket, and this transaction further strengthens AerFin’s position in the region,” he said.

“Working closely with Qantas on a deal of this scale reflects the trusted relationships we continue to build with airlines and asset owners worldwide.”

The agreement forms part of AerFin’s strategy to grow its global asset portfolio and support airlines, lessors and MRO providers with aircraft material, component solutions and asset lifecycle services.

The news follows this week's earlier announcement that AerFin has been acquired by ORIX Aviation.