FTAI Aviation has disclosed plans to create a new platform called FTAI Power that will convert CFM International CFM56 engines into power turbines to deliver energy to data centres. The engine asset specialist says that it is uniquely positioned as one of the largest aftermarket maintenance providers and owners of the CFM56 engine to bring a new power turbine to the market, with production expected to begin in 2026. FTAI Power is "reimagining the future application" of the CFM56 engine and extending the engine’s life through its use as an aeroderivative gas turbine. The aeroderivative adapted from the CFM56 engine will provide the market with a 25-megawatt unit that offers grid operators "greater flexibility and finer output control" than larger units. With over 22,000 CFM56 engines produced, this power turbine will also bring a more scaled alternative to the market that is much needed as industries reliant on increased access to electricity face multi-year backlogs to secure power solutions, the company adds. FTAI chief executive Joe Adams notes that the US-based company has over one million square feet of maintenance facilities globally and billions of dollars of engines which "we believe gives us unrivalled capabilities". "After over a year in development, we plan to begin production of the FTAI Power aeroderivative using our proprietary conversion architecture offering the market an alternative to address the unprecedented need for electricity," he adds. The company's operating chief David Moreno notes that the accelerating demand from AI "hyperscalers" has created an "urgent need for immediate power solutions" with FTAI Power expected to be a "critical partner" in the AI economy.

Virgin Atlantic has promoted David Geer to the position of commercial chief. Geer states in a LinkedIn post that he assumed the role on 1 January will be leading the carrier's teams across network and alliances, revenue management, global sales, distribution, Virgin Atlantic Holidays, cargo and e-commerce. His profile on the professional networking site shows he has been employed by the UK carrier for more than eight years and prior to that he was interim managing director at Virgin Holidays.

Air Nostrum has made an early repayment of €21 million ($25 million) in state loans provided to it amid the pandemic. The Spanish carrier says that the advanced payment to SEPI includes almost €900,000 in interest and reduces the principal of a €111 million equity loan that was granted to it amid Covid-19. Air Nostrum says that under a restructuring of the repayment terms in December 2024, it was agreed that all the principal and the remaining interest would be amortised in a single payment in 2028. Following the early repayment that was just completed, the airline says the outstanding principal amount has been reduced to €91 million.