BlueFive Leasing, a new GCC-based leasing platform focused on supporting regional and low-cost carriers, has launched.
The platform is being launched in partnership with BlueFive Capital.
“The region is home to some of the world's most ambitious and global airlines — a client base that we are here to serve,” said BlueFive Capital founder and CEO Hazem Ben-Gacem.
He added that the platform will soon launch its dedicated aircraft leasing fund, BlueFive Wings Fund I, which will be in excess of $1bn. Additionally, he said the platform will be “anchored by one of the Oman sovereign institutions”.
“Anyone in the aircraft leasing world knows what ‘Ireland’ means in the industry,” said Ben-Gacem. “Very soon the industry will get to know and appreciate what ‘Oman’ will also add.”
BlueFive Capital said the platform will focus on leasing narrowbody and widebody aircraft of all ages through the cycle to a “diverse client base”.
“The establishment of BlueFive Leasing reflects a strategic move to diversify the region’s investment portfolios and deepen its participation in the global aviation value chain," said Ben-Gacem. "With our strong capital base and expert management team, the platform is well-equipped to navigate market cycles and seize opportunities in the dynamic aviation sector.”
The platform will be chaired by Aimen Alhosni, chairman of Oman National Engineering and Investment Company. Sleiman Fakhreddine will lead the platform, assuming the role of CEO of BlueFive Leasing.
Fakhreddine has held senior roles at High Ridge Aviation, BOC Aviation, and GECAS. Prior to these roles, he served as a business finance analyst at Qatar Airways.
According to Ben-Gacem, BlueFive Capital has been working on launching the platform over the past six months. He said its internal team, led by director Faylynn Wang has “a lot up their sleeves to reveal in the coming year”.
The launch also comes six months after BlueFive Capital opened its office in Muscat, Oman. The region, according to the firm, has a “significant appetite” for new products to strengthen domestic investment portfolios as well as attract external capital.
The platform is being launched to “represent the rising financial and strategic power of the GCC in the global skies”.
BlueFive Capital has $7.4bn in assets under management and targets opportunities in high-potential economies. The firm, founded in 2024, has offices in London, Manama, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Muscat, and Beijing.