en.Wedoany.com Reported - U.S. aftermarket parts supplier and MRO service provider Setna iO (Setna iO) has acquired a former Spirit Airlines-operated Airbus A320neo airframe, becoming the latest company to purchase this model of airframe.

The airframe will be disassembled by AerSale in Goodyear, Arizona, with parts processed through Setna iO's internal repair network and subsequently offered to customers as used serviceable material (USM).

Tom Boulcott, Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at Setna iO, stated that this acquisition marks the company's first A320neo teardown in the United States and represents a significant step in its ongoing investment in the global aerospace aftermarket. Boulcott noted that these USM will be used to support the company's growing repair capabilities and enable it to provide "enhanced support for aircraft interiors, seats, and other cabin components" for A320neo aircraft through its recently acquired subsidiary, J&C Aero.

Aviation Week has contacted Setna iO regarding the ownership status of the aircraft (whether owned or leased by Spirit) and whether there are plans to acquire more assets from the airline.

Over the past year, Setna has been highly active in aircraft and engine acquisitions, purchasing a range of assets including A320 family and Boeing 737 family narrowbody aircraft, as well as engines powering them, such as CFM International CFM56 and International Aero Engines V2500. The company increased its borrowing capacity to $550 million in April by expanding its commercial credit facility.

Competitive bidding for Spirit Airlines' owned assets has been ongoing since the airline filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last fall. In addition to Setna iO, aftermarket parts suppliers such as Killick Aerospace and KP Aviation have also publicly announced the purchase of former Spirit A320neo airframes, which will be disassembled into USM. Engines are more difficult to acquire due to surging demand for narrowbody engines, partly driven by reliability issues with platforms such as Pratt & Whitney's geared turbofan.

Earlier this month, Spirit Airlines shared more details about its $630 million "stalking horse bid" for its remaining owned aircraft. The airline is seeking other bids, with a deadline of August 27 and a proposed auction date of September 9.