In 2018, aircraft lessor, Arena Aviation Capital, acquired 15 aircraft and one engine, with a total market value of around $420 million. The portfolio will expand to 60 aircraft by the end of the first quarter of 2019, reaching a milestone AUM (Assets Under Management) of roughly around $2bn.
Arena sourced deals that are suitable for funding through the Japanese Operating Lease and sale-leaseback market, and excludied trades with other lessors,.
“We had to look and work harder to find the right deals for our investors during 2018, with more competition appearing in the mid-life aircraft segment. Having further grown our presence as a full-service aircraft investment manager in the current market therefore feels extra gratifying, and positions us nicely for the years to come. We definitely see growing acceptance of the aircraft investment asset class, and we expect asset yields to remain attractive, and we therefore definitely expect a continuing increase in the demand for our bespoke investment management services,” says Erik Dahmen, Marketing Director and Founding Partner.
“Our platform is now mature and provides for significant capacity to scale up and grow further. With that and the help of our excellent track record, the time has come to branch out and increase our investor base. We are at a crossroads when it comes to considering our options and strategies for accelerated growth. Opening bases in Ireland and/or Asia for example are likely to be part of that strategy,” said Patrick den Elzen, Managing Director and Founding Partner.