Dutch lessor AerCap has threatened to repossess B757-200 D4-CBP (msn 30045) should TACV - Cabo Verde Airlines (Praia) fail to pay USD1.3 million by January 22 local Cape Verdian paper O Liberal has reported. The aircraft is currently used on flights to Amsterdam Schiphol, Fortaleza International, Gran Canaria, Lisbon, Paris CDG and Providence.

AerCap is reportedly owed a total of USD2,454,561.17 by TACV in backdated leasing dues attributed to the B757 as well as a B737-800.

Loss-making TACV has turned to its shareholder, the Cape Verdian government, in recent months to help shore up its finances and pay off maturing debts. In December, the carrier was suspended from the IATA clearing house after it failed to make USD2.2 million in fees.

Potential remedies government is considering include an in-house restructuring of the airline alongside possible privatization.