Lessor in search for a client: SkyWorks to auction 17 ex-LATAM aircraft

In June 2020, LATAM Airlines Group filed for Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Law, which implied reorganizing its financial and operational structure.

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This reorganization led to the return of several aircraft to their respective lessors, the closure of the Argentinian subsidiary and the dismissal of workers, while renegotiating key contracts to minimize the financial losses caused by the COVID 19 health crisis.

SkyWorks Leasing, a subsidiary of SkyWorks Holding that serves as an advisor and remarketing agent for the Wilmington Trust Company, said in a statement that it will sell 17 aircraft that were part of the LATAM Group’s fleet.

Among the aircraft, there are two Airbus A350-900s (previously registered as PR-XTA and PR-XTB), four Boeing 787-9s (previously registered as CC-BGE, CC-BGF, CC-BGG and CC-BGH ) and eleven Airbus A321-200s. All aircraft are stored in Victorville, California. The A350 and B787 are officially no longer part of the LATAM´s fleet.

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Nevertheless, SkyWorks reported that the sale of the A321s is subject to approval by the New York Bankruptcy Court. The aircraft are committed to a long-term leasing contract, which would begin in the second quarter of 2021. If the court resolves it, these aircraft could return to the LATAM fleet to comply with the conditions of the current contract.

For the moment, the three models will be included in the sale, which will be offered through a public auction to be held on April 14, 2021. Initially, the 17 aircraft will be sold as a single, undivisible lot.