Investec has announced the close of its aircraft debt fund - Aquila Debt Fund - with US$250m. The Fund will invest in aircraft debt and has the ability to scale it up to c.US$500m.
Investec Aviation has also recently completed the purchase of a portfolio of 3 Boeing 777 aircraft on behalf Stripes 2013 Aircraft 1 Limited, a vehicle which was structured and arranged by Investec on behalf of majority third party US investors, with Investec taking a minority interest. The mid-life aircraft were acquired from affiliates of Guggenheim Aviation Partners, and are currently on long-term lease to a prominent North American carrier. In addition to structuring and arranging the junior participations for this transaction, Investec Bank also arranged and participated in a Senior debt facility secured by the aircraft, in which Goldman Sachs also participated. Investec acts as Servicer to Stripes 2013 Aircraft 1 Limited. This marks Investec Aviation’s first aircraft acquisition involving North American investors and lessees.