Morocco nabs EUR 270 mn for airport upgrades prior to 2030 World Cup

Morocco secures airport expansion funds: The African Development Bank has greenlit EUR 270 mn financing facility (c. USD 316 mn) to raise operational capacity at Moroccan airports ahead of the 2030 Fifa World Cup, according to a statement. The expansion is part of Morocco’s mandate to raise airport capacity to 80 mn passengers by 2030 at a presumed cost of MAD 38 bn.

While the focus is on raising passengers capacity ahead of 2030, more passenger flights would automatically translate into boosted cargo capacity — as aircraft belly storage in passenger jets already accounts for 54% of global air cargo capacity.

Turkish Airlines snags 25 jets from AerCap in leasing push

Turkish Airlines will acquire 25 narrow-body jets from the Ireland-based jet lessor AerCap, according to a statement. Deliveries will begin from 2027 through 2029 under a 12-year lease agreement.

Leasing has been a key part of the carrier’s growth playbook, amid global supply chain snags in the aviation industry. Earlier this year, the Turkish flagship carrier signed a long-term lease agreement for 10 Boeing 737-8 jets with Dubai Aerospace Enterprise and another contract with the PIF-backed AviLease for eight A320neo jets.

The carrier isn’t just getting planes –– it’s building an empire: The Turkish flag carrier — which currently operates 398 aircraft, including its cargo fleet — aims to boost its fleet to 800 jets by 2033 through a mix of jet orders and airline acquisitions. Earlier in November, the airline placed an order for 75 Boeing aircraft and had its bid for a 25-27% stake in Spain’s Air Europa approved by the latter’s shareholders.

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