Natixis Investment Managers has acquired a minority stake in the new specialist aircraft
lease and asset management firm Airborne Capital. The stake was acquired for an undisclosed sum from the existing shareholders, comprising Airborne’s founding management team and FEXCO.
The deal provides Airborne with access to a worldwide asset management platform which it says will help to accelerate its plans to grow the business to have aircraft assets under management of over $5bn within the first five years of operations. The transaction enables Natixis Investment Managers to continue to expand its expertise in alternative investments, specifically real assets.
Airborne was launched in November 2017 by Ramki Sundaram, CEO of Airborne Capital, who was previously Global Head of Aviation at Natixis.
He said: “We are delighted to welcome Natixis Investment Managers as a shareholder in Airborne Capital. It is a strong sign of confidence in our strategy to gain the support of a top international asset manager and will help accelerate our growth plans. We see opportunities to work closely with them on structuring future deals.”
Jean Raby, CEO of Natixis Investment Managers, said: “Airborne Capital combines an experienced management team, a strong track record and a unique model to investing in real assets in the fast-growing commercial aviation sector. We look forward to partnering with Airborne as they continue their ambitious growth. As demand for alternative and real asset classes grows, we will continue to invest in the ability to bring our clients the best solutions available.”