Irish Firm AerCap to Acquire 20 Cargo Planes Amid Gaza Ties

BREAKING: An Irish aircraft leasing company, AerCap, has just announced a significant deal to purchase 20 new cargo planes from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a move that raises urgent questions amid ongoing tensions related to the Gaza conflict. The agreement, valued at approximately $400 million (€340 million), is part of a broader initiative to convert Boeing 777-300 passenger planes into cargo carriers, dubbed the ‘Big Twin’ project.

This development comes at a time when AerCap, headquartered in Dublin, is set to lease these freighter aircraft to other cargo airlines, distancing them from direct use by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). The first converted plane has recently gained approval from both the US Federal Aviation Administration and the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel, marking a pivotal moment in the project that has faced years of delays.

The cargo planes are expected to be among the largest in operation, with AerCap holding an option to purchase an additional 10 planes. This announcement highlights the complex interplay between commercial aviation and military ties within the region, as IAI, owned by the Israeli state, has close connections to military operations, including supplying drones and weapon systems used in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

AerCap plans to lease the first of these freighters to Kalitta Air, a US cargo airline known for its role in military logistics. Kalitta Air has previously facilitated the transport of military equipment to Israel, creating further concerns about the implications of this leasing arrangement.

IAI’s production of military-grade drones and loitering munitions, which have reportedly been used in attacks on Gaza, adds another layer of urgency to this deal. Although AerCap insists that the aircraft will not be utilized by the IDF, the dual-use nature of IAI’s operations raises ethical questions that are drawing scrutiny from multiple stakeholders.

AerCap is not alone in this industry; approximately a quarter of the world’s commercial aircraft are leased from Irish companies. Recently, AerCap came under fire for its involvement in the US deportation flights, highlighting the company’s entangled operations and the ramifications of its business decisions.

The timing of this announcement is crucial, as it coincides with heightened international scrutiny of companies linked to military supply chains in conflict zones. As this situation develops, all eyes will be on how AerCap manages its new fleet and the potential impact on global perceptions of the Irish aviation sector.

Authorities have yet to respond to requests for comment, and further updates are anticipated as the situation unfolds. Stay tuned for more details on this developing story.