Alliance Aviation Services Limited (ASX:AQZ) and Jetran LLC, of the United States have sealed a deal, marking the expansion of the AQZ fleet. Under the deal, Alliance Aviation is acquiring one spare General Electric CF34 engine and 16 additional Embraer E190 aircraft.
The deal costs AUD 85 million to the Australian air carrier. It will be funded from debt, operating cash flows and existing cash facilities.
The additional capacity will be used for various growth opportunities across the country. The airline has the plan to add 40 more regional routes to its network and capture opportunities across contract flying and wet and dry lease operations.
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Transaction Details
The aircraft is in a 99-seat two-class cabin configuration with eight seats for Business Class and four seats for Economy class with extra-legroom. Additionally, there are 80 seats for normal economy class.
The aircraft earlier managed by American Airlines will be delivered to the Company by November 2021. The first five aircraft are expected to be delivered in December 2020, followed by one aircraft delivery every month until November 2021.
By March 2021, the carrier is expecting E190 to secure the CASA Air Operator's Certificate. The E190 simulator bought as part of the Azzurra E190 transaction is in transit to Brisbane. The aircraft will be used for the initial and recurrent pilot training.
Alliance Aviation is expecting no material impact on its FY21 financial performance due to the latest acquisition. The full-year effect of the deal is expected in FY23.
On 18 December 2020, AQZ closed the day's trade at AUD 4.030, up by 5.497%.