Crown Airlines (FQ, Tripoli Mitiga) is to acquire an A320-200 it previously dry leased from Avolon, the carrier announced on social media.

Representatives from both companies signed the agreement on October 3, 2026, the airline said, adding that it had also firmed up plans at the same time to acquire a second A320-200 from the same lessor for delivery in 2027.

The aircraft in question, 5A-TAJ (msn 4023), has been on a long-term dry lease to the Libyan carrier, starting November, 2022, ch-aviation data shows.

The unit is currently parked at Vilnius, having been ferried there from Tripoli Mitiga on July 28, according to ADS-B data. Neither company immediately responded to queries from ch-aviation on when the jet is expected to restart revenue operations, or on the identity of the second A320.

The 17.1-year-old narrowbody was first delivered to Cathay Dragon in July 2010. It is equipped with International Aero Engines V2500 engines and configured with 12 business class seats and 138 seats in economy.

Crown Airlines launched operations with 5A-TAJ in 2023. The aircraft was later at the centre of a dispute between the airline and its then-lessor Aerovista. The Dubai-headquartered company issued a grounding notice in December 2023, alleging the airline had failed to resolve defaults on the lease.

The airline said at the time it had refused Aerovista's proposal for an early lease termination, adding that its payments to the lessor had always been made on time.

From its base at Tripoli Mitiga, Crown Airlines currently operates to four destinations: Benghazi, Cairo International, Alexandria International, and Istanbul Airport.