Falko Regional Aircraft Limited, also known as Falko, has announced its acquisition of four Q400 NextGen aircraft currently on lease to Ethiopian Airlines, the Ethiopian flag carrier. These aircraft, with serial numbers 4469, 4472, 4475 and 4476, were procured from Aergo Capital Limited on behalf of Falko's managed fund known as Falko Regional Aircraft Opportunities Fund II, or Fund II.
Mark Hughes, Chief Commercial Officer, expressed his satisfaction with the successful acquisition of the four Q400 aircraft, which include lease agreements, from Aergo. He extended his gratitude to the Aergo team for their ongoing collaboration throughout the transaction process and expressed eagerness to explore future opportunities with them.
Mark Hughes further emphasised that this transaction signifies the ninth Q400 aircraft on lease to Ethiopian Airlines under Falko's management and marks the first deal with this carrier under Fund II. Fund II, since its inception, has invested in a total of seventy-nine aircraft. This move strengthens Falko's existing relationship with Ethiopian Airlines, recognized as one of Africa's top-performing carriers, both in terms of management and financial performance, encompassing both passenger and freighter operations. Given the compatibility of the Q400 aircraft with Ethiopian's mission profile and operational environment, it is anticipated that Ethiopian will continue as a long-term operator of this aircraft type.
Falko is globally acknowledged as the largest asset manager and aircraft lessor exclusively focused on the regional aircraft leasing sector. It stands as one of the most established and prominent managers of regional aircraft worldwide. Falko's strategic focus is directed towards expanding its portfolio of funds and aircraft under management, along with ongoing efforts to develop products and services that support its aircraft lease management activities.