EirTrade Aviation has completed the acquisition of two Airbus A320neo aircraft, in partnership with Chicago-based lessor RESIDCO, with the aircraft to be dismantled to support global parts demand.

Announced in Dublin and Chicago on 16 February 2026, the aircraft were previously operated by Spirit Airlines. The airframes, MSN 10769 and MSN 10921, are approximately four years and three-and-a-half years old respectively. According to the companies, these will be the youngest Airbus A320neo aircraft to undergo teardown.

Disassembly is taking place in Goodyear, Arizona. All recovered material will be transferred to EirTrade’s parts hub in Dallas, where components will be positioned to support aircraft-on-ground (AOG) requirements across the Americas and strengthen the company’s global inventory platform.

Focus on newer-generation inventory

Bill Thompson, Vice President Origination & Trading for the Americas at EirTrade Aviation, said the transaction reflects the company’s strategy to focus on newer-technology aircraft assets.

He noted that prioritising newer aircraft ensures availability of high-quality rotables aligned to the latest modification standards. As part of the transaction, EirTrade has also acquired four sets of high-demand line replaceable unit (LRU) and buyer furnished equipment (BFE) components from the PW1100 engine platform.

Large global A320neo fleet supports USM demand outlook

EirTrade estimates that more than 4,400 A320neo aircraft are currently in commercial service, with a further 7,200 on order. This figure excludes the existing in-service fleet of approximately 6,500 A320ceo aircraft, many of which share interchangeable components.

The company states that the scale of the Airbus narrowbody platform, combined with the order backlog, is expected to sustain its position as the largest segment of the global commercial fleet, with corresponding growth in demand for used serviceable material (USM).

Long-standing collaboration between partners

RESIDCO highlighted the transaction as part of an established working relationship between the two organisations.

Dave Kolber, Director – Aviation Marketing at RESIDCO, said the deal reflects a history of joint execution of complex aviation asset solutions. He added that RESIDCO’s aviation activities include commercial aircraft and engine leasing, teardown financing, and leasing across full motion simulator and general aviation segments.

Parts availability targeted for end of first quarter

EirTrade confirmed that disassembly of the airframes is already underway. Following repair and processing, material from the aircraft is expected to be available to the market by the end of the first quarter, supporting sale, exchange and AOG requirements.

Company background

EirTrade Aviation is a Dublin-headquartered aviation asset management and trading company with operational presence in Europe, the United States and Asia. The company provides services to MRO organisations, operators and lessors, including end-of-life asset management, aircraft and engine parts trading, storage and disassembly, consignment programmes and technical storage services. EirTrade is part of Acorn Growth Companies.