At Miami International Airport, two McDonnell Douglas MD-83 aircraft from World Atlantic Airlines have been seized.
Investment company Blue Diamond was granted permission by the court in Miami to seize the two aircraft. World Atlantic Airlines, which primarily operates charter flights from South Florida to destinations in the Caribbean, Central, and South America, owes the company $1.8 million, approximately 1.6 million euros. The airline allegedly failed to pay Blue Diamond for the use of the MD-83s, even though this was agreed upon. Reports also indicate that a third aircraft has been seized.
World Atlantic Airlines has not yet responded to the measure. Although the company owns five aircraft, only three are operational, two of which have now been seized. The MD-83s are unique because they are still used for passenger transport. Between 1985 and 1999, over 260 units of the type were delivered. Of this number, 26 aircraft are still in service for commercial passenger flights, with only seven operating outside of Iran. The remaining operational MD-83s have been converted into freighters.
Surinam Airways
Surinam Airways (SLM) leased an MD-83 from World Atlantic Airlines in 2022. The aircraft made headlines while in service with SLM when the tail cone was accidentally jettisoned. After arriving at Georgetown Airport in Guyana, the ground crew attempted to activate the stair in the tail but pulled the wrong lever, causing the tailcone to fall off. Two ground handlers sustained minor injuries.