Hamden Aviation discusses LatAm’s freighter appetite

Hamden Aviation is focusing on Latin America as it looks to grow its presence in the freighter segment. 

The Hamden, Conn.-based lessor began supporting the industry by providing CFM56-3C1 engines to cargo operators with 737 Classics. 

“It was just sort of an organic entry [into the freighter space] from the -3C1 market, then working with Classics, then having opportunities, primarily with a focus on emerging markets,” Executive Vice President Dora Alexander told Cargo Facts at Cargo Facts LATAM 2024 in Panama City this week. 

Hamden hopes to increase its market share in Latin America and capitalize on the region’s demand for 737 Classic freighters.

“We believe the appetite is there,” Angel Mora, financial analyst at Hamden, says in this week’s episode of “Cargo Facts Connect.” “We’re talking about phasing into Classics and getting rid of the 727s, so there are still plenty of companies out there that are looking for Classics.” 

Additionally, the lessor plans to add the ATR 72-500F to its freighter portfolio and is evaluating Embraer’s new E190F and E195F conversions. 

“We think [the E-Jet platform] makes a lot of sense in terms of that replacement for the -300 and for that sector of the narrowbody,” Alexander says. “So, it really marries well with our relationships in emerging markets and our current lessee base as well as the international connections that we have.” 

Tune in to this week’s “Cargo Facts Connect” to hear more on Hamden Aviation as Alexander and Mora speak with Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee in Panama City.