According to data from Flightradar24, three Airbus A330-243 aircraft, and one Airbus A320-200 landed in Minsk on August 17. These planes had been stored for an extended period in Cairo, Muscat, and Istanbul. The purpose of their arrival in Minsk and their intended operators are still unclear. It is speculated that they might be destined for a Russian airline.
The last known operator of all four aircraft, according to Planespotters and Airfleets, was the little-known Magic Air from Gambia, which acquired them between October and December 2023. These were the first and only aircraft in their fleet. Prior to Magic Air, the planes were operated by Lebanon Sky Aviation.
The three 22-year-old A330s share a similar history. They were originally delivered by Airbus between late 2002 and early 2003 and were operated by Emirates as for the first 12 years. After a two-year storage period, they were transferred to Turkish carrier Onur Air, which briefly operated them before passing them on to Saudi Arabian Airlines under Turkish registrations. In March 2020, the aircraft returned to Onur Air, after which they were stored and remained unused.
These aircraft changed owners multiple times: originally purchased by Hong Kong lessor HKAC, they were later sold to Avolon, then to Bellinger Aviation Services, and eventually to Lebanon Sky Aviation. Several planned leasing deals for these planes fell through after their time with Emirates.
Similarly, the 19-year-old A320 has had multiple owners and has spent long periods in storage. Initially operated by Australian low-cost carrier Jetstar Airways from 2005 to 2013, it was later flown by Bangkok Airways from 2014. The aircraft was stored in March 2020 and has not been used since. Over the years, its owners included SMBC Aviation Capital, Seraph Aviation, CRA Aircraft Holdings, AAR Corporation, and finally Lebanon Sky Aviation.
