SMBC Aviation Capital has launched its Global Aviation Equipment Leasing Fund (GAEL).
GAEL is the first aviation equity fund for Japanese institutional investors that SMBC Aviation Capital has launched. GAEL will acquire a portfolio of aircraft, on lease to a diverse group of international airlines, from SMBC Aviation Capital, who will remain as aircraft servicer.
GAEL is a closed-end fund which has raised equity capital from 17 Japanese institutional investors and a secured debt financing from an internationally recognised bank.
Commenting on the announcement, Peter Barrett, CEO, SMBC Aviation Capital said: “Aircraft leasing is a very desirable and stable asset class for investors, and GAEL provides a tailored opportunity for a number of Japanese institutional investors to enter into the aircraft leasing market. We are pleased to have worked closely with our colleagues at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation in assembling a group of top tier equity investors.”