iAero Airways, a prominent US-based airline specializing in passenger charter flights and cargo transportation, announced its cessation of operations following a failed reorganization under bankruptcy protection. Headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, with its primary flight hub at Miami International Airport, iAero had been operating a fleet of narrow-body air cargo aircraft for DHL Express.
The airline, which boasted a current fleet of approximately 30 aircraft, including Boeing 737-300, 737-400, 737-800, and 737-800BDSF cargo planes, faced financial challenges that ultimately led to its collapse. Despite receiving a debtor-in-possession financing of 22.5million from Synovus Financial Corp. Last September when itfiled for bankrupt cyre organization,and anadditional 5 million in March 2024, iAero struggled to find interested parties to take over its DHL cargo and NHL operations.
iAero's weekly commitment to provide about 100 flights for DHL using 12 dedicated cargo aircraft had been a significant part of its operations, with cargo revenue becoming a crucial income source during the COVID crisis, accounting for 12% of total revenue in 2022. However, the airline failed to secure a viable buyer or alternative financing, leading to its eventual shutdown.
The closure of iAero Airways is expected to have a significant impact on the charter market, potentially opening up opportunities for competitors such as Global Crossing Airlines, also located in Miami, to attract new customers. This event underscores the challenges faced by the aviation industry, particularly in the air cargo sector, and highlights the importance of financial stability and strategic planning in ensuring long-term success.