United Airlines has expanded its partnership with FTAI Aviation Ltd. to include an engine exchange program for CFM56-7B engines on its Boeing 737 NG fleet. The multi-year agreement aims to reduce aircraft downtime, improve fleet utilization, and stabilize maintenance costs. FTAI will acquire unserviceable engines for its MRO network while supplying serviceable replacements, creating growth opportunities for both companies, though FTAI's financial benefits will depend on contract margins and refurbishment costs.

FTAI Aviation announced a multi-year Maintenance, Repair and Exchange (MRE) agreement with United Airlines, expanding an existing V2500 engine exchange program to include CFM56-7B engines. Under the program, FTAI delivers serviceable engines ahead of United's scheduled removals and purchases the unserviceable engines, eliminating traditional shop visits and reducing maintenance costs and downtime for United's Boeing 737 NG fleet.

FTAI Aviation announced the acquisition of 27 Boeing 737-700 aircraft from WestJet, marking one of its largest aircraft transactions. The deal includes a sale-leaseback of 17 aircraft through FTAI's 2026 SPV (Strategic Capital's second investment vehicle) and the acquisition of 10 off-lease aircraft to support FTAI's Aerospace Products business, expanding its CFM56-7B engine supply.

FTAI Aviation stock surged 37.4% in H1 2026 despite volatility driven by AI investment, Iran conflict, and energy prices. The company operates three businesses: engine maintenance, aviation leasing, and the nascent FTAI Power division converting legacy aircraft engines into data center power turbines. While a CFM56 parts agreement with CFM International is positive, rising jet fuel prices from geopolitical tensions have reduced flight departure forecasts, creating near-term headwinds. FTAI Power revenue is expected to begin in 2027.

FTAI Aviation and AEI announced a strategic collaboration to deliver cost-effective Boeing 737-800 freighter solutions by combining FTAI's engine maintenance capabilities with AEI's cargo conversion expertise. The partnership aims to provide customized freighter aircraft at scale with lower operating costs for airlines globally.

GE Vernova surpassed GE Aerospace in market capitalization for the first time, driven by surging AI data center demand for its gas turbines. The HA turbine received over four times more orders in 2025 than in 2018, with both companies benefiting from strong management and technological advantages. GE Vernova raised full-year guidance due to booming orders, while GE Aerospace faces headwinds from the Iran conflict.

Iran's Foreign Minister announced the Strait of Hormuz is fully open to all commercial vessels during the ceasefire, causing crude oil to plunge 14% to $81/barrel. Airlines and cruise lines surged as fuel costs declined, while energy and chemical companies fell sharply. The S&P 500 reached record highs with the Nasdaq 100 on its 13th consecutive gaining session.

FTAI Aviation shares surged 10.35% following a U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement that led to declining oil prices. Lower energy costs benefit the company's two main business segments: aircraft engine servicing (higher fuel prices reduce flight demand) and FTAI Power's data center turbine conversion business (lower energy costs improve data center investment viability).

Ten large-cap stocks experienced significant declines during the week of March 9-13, 2026. Fair Isaac Corporation led losses with a 21.59% drop following a $1 billion senior notes offering announcement. Other major decliners included Centene (20.85%), Ulta Beauty (16.04%), Paramount Skydance (15.4%), and Thomson Reuters (13.97%). Declines were attributed to factors including disappointing earnings guidance, analyst downgrades, and broader market pressures across healthcare, beauty, media, and aviation sectors.

FTAI Aviation has closed the acquisition of seven off-lease Airbus aircraft from Air France, including one A318-100, four A319-100, and two A321-200 aircraft. The transaction supports Air France's fleet modernization and provides FTAI with additional engine and module feedstock for its Maintenance, Repair and Exchange solutions, particularly CFM56 engines.

Despite a growing sentiment favoring industrial and dividend stocks in 2026, three high-risk stocks that surged over 100% in 2025 continue to show upside potential. FTAI Aviation benefits from GE Aerospace and Palantir partnerships, Kratos Defense gains from defense sector positioning, and Monte Rosa Therapeutics shows promise from positive clinical trial data. All three trade near or below analyst price targets with further upside expected.

FTAI Aviation's stock surged 38.3% in January driven by three key developments: a strategic partnership with Palantir to implement AI-assisted decision-making for inventory and maintenance management, the creation of FTAI Power to convert CFM56 aircraft engines into data center power turbines, and a multi-year agreement with CFM International to supply components and support. These moves position FTAI to capitalize on growing AI/data center infrastructure demand while strengthening its core aircraft engine servicing business.