FTAI Aviation Ltd. Q2 2025: Unpacking Contradictions in SCI Impact, Margin Projections, and Chinese Market Opportunities

SCI program impact on Aerospace Products segment, PMA impact on margins, future market opportunities in the Chinese market, strategic capital initiative and engine market expansion are the key contradictions discussed in FTAI Aviation Ltd.'s latest 2025Q2 earnings call.



Aerospace Products Growth:
- FTAI Aviation reported $165 million in adjusted EBITDA for Aerospace Products, with a margin of 34%.
- The growth was driven by accelerated adoption of their unique MRE solution and the expansion of their maintenance capabilities.

Production and Facility Expansion:
- The company refurbished 184 CFM56 modules in Q2, a 33% increase from Q1, with plans to reach a capacity of 1,800 modules per year.
- Growth was driven by operational efficiencies, specialization, and the addition of new facilities like QuickTurn Europe.

Capital Allocation and Free Cash Flow:
- FTAI generated $370 million in free cash flow in the first half of 2025, exceeding their targeted $350 million.
- This was mainly due to the sale of aircraft through the Strategic Capital Initiative, with expectations to close the remaining 8 aircraft in Q3.

Strategic Capital Initiative (SCI) Progress:
- The SCI closed on additional equity partners and expects to invest $4 billion through the 2025 partnership.
- Progress was driven by the MRE agreement with FTAI providing enhanced returns and management services to equity partners.