- Latest edition September 3rd: La Caisse goes again with its leasing JV
- August 20th edition: FTAI launches second mid-life current tech fund
- August 6th edition: ACG aims to become a Top 5 lessor
- July 23rd edition: Aviation ABS issuance has already surpassed the prior full-year record for 2025.
- July 9th: 10 billion annual air passengers by 2045
- June 25th: Mid-life aircraft opportunity
Aviation ABS Strong aircraft values drive ABS asset sales and higher repaymentsA new analysis of the aviation ABS market from global ratings agency KBRA shows heightened repayment activity is being driven by the strong demand for aircraft, allowing securitisation transactions to dispose of aircraft above adjusted base values (ABV). KBRA says aviation asset sales activity increased in 2026, with over 120 assets sold across more than 35 transactions. These generated approximately $2.8 billion in proceeds at an average of approximately 115% of ABV. Investment in Aviation SMBC Aviation Capital and La Caisse double down on JV platform
Leasing Business CALC revenues jump in first half of 2026Hong Kong's China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (CALC) has reported strong growth in revenue, profits and earnings per share for the first half of 2026 and has upped its interim dividend. CEO Mike Poon said the results reflect 'a strengthening of its full aircraft lifecycle capabilities' and said the lessor will explore 'equity and equity-like financing' with a view to strengthening the company's capital base. |
In this issue In this issueGlobal investment giant La Caisse's decision to deploy further capital into its joint venture with SMBC Aviation Capital is the latest example of 'patient capital' teaming with aviation expertise to gain exposure to the aircraft leasing sector. We look at this latest move as well as Lesha Bank's growing investment in the sector. We also look at Hong Kong lessor CALC's latest results and the latest research by KBRA on trends in the aviation ABS market. We also feature analysis from Irish law firm William Fry LLP on a recent judgment from the Irish High Court of interest to leasing companies, airlines and other aviation industry participants. Jurisdiction Focus: Ireland Irish High Court clarifies ‘practical benefit’ test in aircraft leasing case
Leasing Business Lesha Bank acquires aircraft portfolioLesha Bank has completed the acquisition of an 18 aircraft portfolio, growing its investment in the aircraft leasing space. The Qatari financial institution has identified aviation as one of its key investment pillars and has been actively expanding its leasing business since late 2024, including the recent acquisition of Amedeo Air Four Plus, in a bid to create a leasing business of scale. |
The joint aircraft and leasing platform Maple Aircraft Co Holdings (MACH) was launched in 2024 to target worldwide opportunities in new-technology aircraft. At the time of the launch SMBC Aviation Capital and La Caisse (formerly CDPQ) revealed plans to deploy $500 million per year over three years through MACH. However, with the initial $1.5 billion commitment deployed ahead of schedule the firms are now planning to commit an additional $1.5 billion out to the end of 2029.
A recent judgment from the Irish High Court ‘reinforces Ireland’s position as a leading jurisdiction for aircraft leasing and aviation’ write William Fry LLP’s Ruairi Rynn, Barbara Galvin and Declan Keane. The judgment clarified the ‘practical benefit’ test in a case between FW Aviation and VietJet and shows the Irish court’s ‘willingness to engage with the commercial realities of modern leasing structures’ and demonstrates the sophistication and commercial awareness that international lessors and financiers have come to expect from the Irish courts, they write.