Ethiopian Airlines has signed a long-term dry lease agreement with Titan Aircraft Investments for three 767-300ER converted freighters. Titan Aircraft Investments is a joint venture between Titan Aviation Holdings and Bain Capital Credit
Michael Steen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Titan Aviation Holdings and Chief Commercial Officer of Atlas Air Worldwide said: “We are delighted to welcome Ethiopian Airlines as a strategic customer and support its growing freighter fleet. We are honored that Ethiopian Airlines recognizes our industry and technical expertise and has placed its trust in Titan.”
Ethiopian Airlines is expected to take delivery of the first of these aircraft later this month, with the second delivery planned for later this year, and the third aircraft planned for 2023.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said: “This dry lease agreement will be fundamental to our fast-growing cargo operation as Ethiopian is a key global player in the air cargo business. We are glad about the partnership with Titan Aircraft Investments to enhance our capacity with three more B767 converted aircraft in addition to the existing nine widebody freighters and four B737 converted aircraft.”
The addition of these three aircraft brings Titan Aircraft Investments’ freighter fleet to 10 aircraft, five of which are Boeing 767 converted freighters.
Titan Aviation Holdings, a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide and a freighter-centric leasing company, is the third largest freighter lessor globally by fleet value, owning 33 aircraft worldwide with a book value of over $1.5 bn.
Bain Capital and Titan have committed to providing $360 million and $40 million equity, respectively, for Titan Aircraft Investments to acquire aircraft with an anticipated portfolio value of approximately $1 bn.