US regional operators Republic Airways and Mesa Air Group have completed the merger they agreed in April. The deal stipulates that Republic stockholders now own around 88% of the combined company’s common stock, while Mesa stockholders own at least 6% and up to 12%. Republic's fleet comprises 31 Embraer 170s and 186 E175s, fleets data shows. The Indianapolis, Indiana-based carrier operates on behalf of US majors American, Delta and United. Phoenix, Arizona-based Mesa Airlines operates 60 E175s for United. Republic and Mesa will operate separately until a single operating certificate is secured, after which the combined entity will use Republic's name. "Bringing Republic and Mesa together is the natural next step for Republic," states Republic president Matt Koscal. "It continues a growth trajectory that stretches back more than five decades, makes us a stronger and more capable partner for our customers, will create new job and career opportunities for our people, and offers a compelling investment opportunity in an essential industry."

Ascend Consultancy has highlighted a narrowing lease-rate gap between Airbus A321ceos and A320ceos, following a recent review. In a LinkedIn post, the consultancy notes that A321ceo lease rates fell 6-8%, their first decline since the post-Covid recovery began. A320ceo lease rates have meanwhile held steady. As result, "the gap between A320 and A321 lease rates has narrowed significantly" for aircraft of certain vintages, particularly those aged 8-12 years, adds the consultancy. "This trend may indicate challenges in remarketing larger single-aisle aircraft, especially to tier-two and -three airlines, for whom these aircraft may be too large," it writes. Values have meanwhile remained broadly stable, with some increases of 3-6%, driven by higher part-out values.

Novus Aviation Capital has agreed to finance two Airbus A350-900s with Ethiopian Airlines. The deal was agreed during the Dubai air show, says the locally based lessor. Fleets data indicates that these will be the only aircraft Novus has leased to the African carrier. The lessor's portfolio includes one A350-900, on lease to Singapore Airlines.