FTAI Aviation Ltd. closed a transaction on February 17, 2026 to acquire seven off‑lease Airbus aircraft from Air France, adding one A318‑100, four A319‑100s and two A321‑200s to its fleet. The deal, which was announced on the same day, is intended to expand the company’s inventory of CFM56 engine components and other module feedstock for its Aerospace Products and Power platforms.
The acquisition provides FTAI with a steady stream of CFM56 engines, the most common powerplant on narrow‑body aircraft worldwide. By securing these engines, the company can enhance its maintenance, repair and exchange (MRE) services and support the growing demand for its aftermarket solutions. The additional aircraft also feed into FTAI’s emerging Power initiative, which converts CFM56 engines into 25‑megawatt turbines for data‑center power generation.
Chief Operating Officer Stacy Kuperus said the deal "strengthens FTAI’s supply chain for CFM56 engines, which power the majority of narrow‑body fleets. Expanding access to CFM56 engines is critical as demand for our Maintenance, Repair and Exchange solutions grows." She added that the partnership with Air France "is a long‑standing one and we look forward to supporting Air France’s evolving fleet strategy in the future."
FTAI’s relationship with Air France extends beyond this transaction. In April 2020 the company completed a sale and leaseback of 16 Airbus aircraft, and it recently announced a multi‑year materials agreement with CFM International to further support CFM56 engines. These moves underscore FTAI’s strategy of securing high‑volume feedstock to sustain its vertically integrated MRO and Power businesses. The financial terms of the current acquisition were not disclosed.
The content on EveryTicker is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.