BOC Aviation Adds SKY Airline as New Customer Following Lease Agreement for Three Airbus A321XLRs
BOC Aviation has formalized its first strategic partnership with the Chilean low-cost carrier (LCC) SKY Airline through a lease agreement for three Airbus A321XLR aircraft.
A Strategic Purchase-and-Leaseback Agreement
The contract has been structured as a purchase-and-leaseback transaction. Under the established terms, deliveries of the three units are scheduled to take place on a phased basis throughout 2026 and 2027.
These aircraft represent the first Airbus A321XLRs to be integrated into BOC Aviation’s asset portfolio. For their propulsion, the company has selected Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, renowned for their operational efficiency and reduced emissions.
Expansion and Modernization of SKY Airline’s Fleet
For SKY, this move reinforces its position as one of the operators with the youngest and most efficient fleets in the region. The airline already possesses significant experience with the neo family, currently operating several Airbus A321neo aircraft. In 2019, it signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for the acquisition of 10 A321XLR aircraft.
Daniel Belaunde, CEO of SKY Airline, emphasized that this agreement is fundamental to the company’s growth plans:
- Network Expansion: The A321XLR will enable the opening of new direct routes that were previously unreachable for narrow-body aircraft.
- Sustainability: The focus remains on operating with high standards of efficiency and next-generation technology.
- Accessibility: The model’s capacity will help offer more affordable travel options without compromising the customer experience.
The A321XLR as a Key Asset for BOC Aviation
From the lessor’s perspective, this transaction underscores market confidence in Airbus’s long-range variant. Steven Townend, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BOC Aviation, noted that adding SKY as a customer aligns with their strategy of investing in latest-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft.
This agreement strengthens BOC Aviation’s presence in the Latin American market and positions SKY Airline for a new phase of international connectivity.
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