Denver-based Frontier Airlines has responded to the threat of potential aircraft grounding by moving to the courts. The airline, operating primarily with Airbus narrowbody jets, is actively seeking to prevent the grounding or impoundment of fourteen of their A320neo aircraft. The action was taken this week in the US District Court, targeting the owner-trustees of AMCK Aviation, Wells Fargo Trust Company, and UMB Bank.
The situation at hand could heavily impact Frontier Airlines, which operates a total of 128 aircraft. Removing 14 from the fleet would represent a near 14% loss, which Frontier argues would have “devastating” consequences for their daily services.
Ongoing Dispute with AMCK Aviation
This current legal battle represents the latest episode in the ongoing dispute between Frontier Airlines and AMCK Aviation, a company acquired by Carlyle Aviation Partners last year. The point of contention for Frontier was how they learned about this acquisition, which was merely through a press release.
Nevertheless, Frontier Airlines asserts that it has dutifully met its lease obligations as per the original contracts, despite the unexpected acquisition. The airline has further proposed a number of assignments to safeguard its rights. Following these moves, Frontier told the court that the new aircraft owners had threatened to declare a lease default and ground or impound the planes.
Aircrafts at Stake
The aircraft Frontier Airlines is seeking to protect have been identified by ch-aviation research. They include N326FR (msn 8102); N331FR (msn 8239); N332FR (msn 8307); N336FR (msn 8357); N338FR (msn 8402); N349FR (msn 8766); N350FR (msn 8857); N351FR (msn 8913); N353FR (msn 8977); N354FR (msn 9026); N358FR (msn 9068); N359FR (msn 9177); and N370FR (msn 10038).
Source: Ch-Aviation
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