With the liberalisation of the air transport industry globally, the nature of airliner ownership has changed dramatically in the last 20 years. Aircraft leasing companies now own more than 40% of the commercial aircraft in the world. As of 2014, the top 50 lessor’s fleet value is worth US$196bn. This sea change allowed airlines to start operations with lower capital outlay and quicker access to aircraft. As aircraft are moved from one operator to another, it may require re-certification of modifications performed under the lessee’s national airworthiness authority or reconfiguration to meet the next lessee’s requirements. This often occurs amidst intense negotiations between the lessor, the current operator and the next prospective operator, and design organisations need to provide flexible and speedy support to the lessor on pricing of the modifications to support the lessor in structuring the deal, protecting their interest and maximising their financial returns.

GVH Aerospace supported the lessor with pricing and technical advice during the lease negotiations, including assisting with the sourcing of parts to support the cabin reconfiguration and evaluating the technical data provided by the current operator of the 737NG. The LOPA change, deactivation of IFE, installation of dual language placards and certification of the existing modifications were carried out within the tight timeframe required to support the lease return and transfer of aircraft from to the new operator in an Asian country. GVH Aerospace leveraged of its multiple approvals and the knowledge of operating across different regulatory systems and provided the modification packages with both EASA and FAA approvals concurrently. Throughout the reconfiguration process, GVH Aerospace provided expeditious support including urgent responses to parts supply with EASA Form 1 and provision of design approvals even through weekends to ensure timely delivery of the aircraft to the next lessee.

© Photograph copyrighted to Im Hyunsoo, used with permission.