Turkey’s AJet to Dry Lease 14 Airbus A321neo Aircraft

AJet, the Turkish low-cost carrier, has signed lease agreements for 14 Airbus A321neo aircraft as part of its fleet expansion and operational shift. The deals include ten aircraft from Avolon and four from Carlyle Aviation Partners, with deliveries expected in 2026 and 2027.

While engine options for the incoming jets were not disclosed, the move aligns with AJet’s strategy to reduce its reliance on ACMI (wet-lease) capacity. In 2024, the airline experienced operational challenges related to wet-leased aircraft, prompting plans to expand its in-house fleet to improve reliability and cost-efficiency.

According to ch-aviation data, AJet currently operates an internal fleet of five A320-200s, one A320neo, and fifteen Boeing 737-800s. Its parent company, Turkish Airlines, continues to operate an additional 58 aircraft on AJet’s behalf, including various Airbus A320 and A321 variants and Boeing 737s. AJet aims to eventually internalize or phase out these wet-leased aircraft.

Additionally, AJet wet-leases 13 aircraft—primarily A321-200s and 737-8s—from third-party operators such as BBN Airlines Türkiye, SmartLynx Airlines, and SmartLynx Airlines Malta.

The new A321neo leases are a key part of AJet’s long-term growth strategy as it seeks to modernize and consolidate its operations. The dry-leased aircraft will enhance capacity, improve fleet efficiency, and give AJet more control over maintenance and scheduling, helping it position itself more competitively in the Turkish and regional low-cost travel markets.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com