Air TransportIrish lessor IAT Leasing has taken ownership of a portfolio of 10 Airbus A330 freighters currently leased to Amazon Air, in a transaction that shifts control of the widebody aircraft previously held by Altavair.
The aircraft are operated by Alaska Airlines, which assumed the role after integrating Hawaiian Airlines, the original operator supporting Amazon’s A330 freighter operations since their entry into service in 2023.
The jets are Airbus A330-300 converted freighters (P2F), introduced as part of Amazon’s strategy to expand capacity with larger aircraft. The type became the largest in the company’s fleet, surpassing the Boeing 767-300F, which remains the backbone of its cargo operations.
Configured for express parcel transport, the A330P2F can carry up to about 63 tonnes of cargo, although actual loads are typically lower given the volume-driven nature of e-commerce shipments. The aircraft were originally built as passenger jets and later converted to freighters before entering Amazon’s network.
The acquisition was arranged by IAT on behalf of funds managed by Blue Owl Capital, with financing provided by MUFG. IAT will remain responsible for lease administration and asset management of the aircraft.
The deal introduces widebody freighters into IAT’s managed portfolio and establishes a new commercial link with Amazon Air, while expanding existing ties with Alaska Airlines and Blue Owl. The transaction also follows a separate agreement earlier this year involving Rolls-Royce support services for leased aircraft assets.
Amazon launched its in-house air cargo network in 2016 to speed up deliveries and reduce reliance on third-party logistics providers. Its fleet has since grown to include dozens of Boeing 767-300Fs and 737-800Fs, as well as a small number of turboprops, with the A330 freighters representing its largest aircraft type to date.
