> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.acmiworld.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Aviation News Today: WestJet, Azul and Asman | September 28, 2026 - URL: https://www.acmiworld.com/aviation-news-today-westjet-azul-and-asman-september-28-2026/ - Published: 2026-09-28T13:20:46.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-28T13:20:46.000Z - Description: WestJet’s 27-aircraft FTAI deal, Azul’s SkyCourier arrival and Asman’s COMAC interest lead today’s aircraft leasing and airline fleet news. - Author: ACMI World ## Aviation News: WestJet’s Fleet Deal, Azul’s SkyCourier and Asman’s Aircraft Plans ACMIWorld Aviation News · September 28, 2026· Aircraft Leasing · Airline Fleets · Regional Aviation WestJet aircraft are moving into FTAI’s leasing and aftermarket businesses, Azul is preparing a new regional aircraft for service, and Kyrgyzstan’s Asman Airlines is considering Chinese jets alongside its Airbus expansion. Today’s reports cover three different fleet decisions: releasing capital from existing aircraft, adding capacity on smaller routes, and evaluating suppliers for international growth. For aircraft owners and operators, each raises a different question about deployment, operating support and the value of an aircraft through its remaining service life. ### Today’s Developments - **WestJet:** FTAI acquires 27 Boeing 737-700s through a combination of sale-leaseback and off-lease purchases. - **Azul:** Its first 19-seat SkyCourier is expected at Confins ahead of preparations for passenger service. - **Asman:** COMAC aircraft enter consideration as the carrier pursues separate A321 plans. Aircraft Leasing · September 28, 2026 ## FTAI Acquires 27 WestJet Boeing 737-700s FTAI Aviation has acquired 27 Boeing 737-700 aircraft from WestJet. According to [AVIATOR’s report on the transaction](https://aviator.aero/press/ftai-acquires-27-737-700s-from-westjet-as-carrier-begins-fleet-retirement?ref=acmiworld.com), the package comprises a sale-leaseback of 17 aircraft and the purchase of 10 off-lease aircraft for FTAI’s Aerospace Products business. The [transaction announcement](https://www.stocktitan.net/news/FTAI/ftai-acquires-27-boeing-737-700-aircraft-from-west-wra5udqjpqzk.html?ref=acmiworld.com)places the 17 leased aircraft in FTAI’s 2026 SPV, the second investment vehicle within its Strategic Capital business. The commercial distinction is useful: one group retains an airline lease, while the other supports an aftermarket operation. Our reading is that the deal illustrates how a mature fleet can serve several investment purposes within one acquisition. Aircraft buyers assessing comparable portfolios should distinguish contracted rental income from the value available through engines, components and subsequent asset deployment. Regional Aviation · September 28, 2026 ## Azul Prepares to Introduce the 19-Seat SkyCourier Azul’s first passenger-configured Cessna SkyCourier was expected to reach Confins on September 28, ahead of import procedures and preparations for service. [Air Data News reports that Azul Conecta initially plans two aircraft](https://www.airdatanews.com/azuls-first-sky-courier-to-put-19-seat-turboprop-to-work-in-major-airline-network/?ref=acmiworld.com)to complement its Grand Caravan operation. The 19-seat aircraft gives the subsidiary an additional capacity option between its nine-seat Caravans and larger regional equipment. The reported arrival remains a delivery milestone; passenger operations follow the required preparations. The commercial test, in our view, will be whether individual routes generate enough additional paying traffic to support the larger aircraft. A two-aircraft introduction should also provide operating evidence on maintenance requirements, dispatch performance and scheduling flexibility. For regional fleet planners, those results will be more instructive than seat count alone. Fleet Development · September 28, 2026 ## Asman Considers COMAC Jets Alongside Airbus Plans Kyrgyzstan’s state-owned Asman Airlines is considering COMAC C909 and C919 aircraft, according to [The Times of Central Asia’s September 28 report](https://timesca.com/kyrgyzstan-considering-buying-chinese-comac-aircraft/?ref=acmiworld.com). The discussions sit alongside separate plans to introduce Airbus A321s for international services. The COMAC interest remains an evaluation rather than a confirmed order. Earlier, [Airports of Kyrgyzstan signed an agreement with BBAM for two A321ceos](https://timesca.com/kyrgyzstan-signs-deal-to-acquire-two-airbus-a321-aircraft/?ref=acmiworld.com), with delivery scheduled by the end of 2026\. Our assessment is that fleet commonality deserves close attention as these plans develop. Introducing additional types creates separate requirements for crews, spares, technical support and maintenance planning. The relevant commercial comparison therefore extends across the aircraft’s operating life, including the support package and the routes each type would serve. ## What These Developments Mean for Fleet Planning Our reading of today’s reports is that aircraft selection and asset allocation need to be assessed together. WestJet’s transaction separates continuing leases from aftermarket deployment. Azul’s introduction tests a larger aircraft within a small-community network. Asman’s evaluation raises questions about fleet complexity and supplier support. Across all three, the decisive commercial work lies in matching the aircraft, its support requirements and its capital cost to a specific operating purpose. For partnerships, media, and collaboration opportunities, contact us directly at [info@acmiworld.com](mailto:info@acmiworld.com).