WOLF Holding, affiliated with Avia Solutions Group, has launched a $500 million equity capital raise for the acquisition of aviation assets with lease and trade applications.
The new Dublin-based aviation asset investment management company said it will primarily focus on acquiring mid-life narrowbody aircraft assets, including Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s. WOLF said it will also “selectively consider” investments in widebody aircraft and engines.
The investment manager will focus on securing third-party lessees for assets under management, while “maintaining the flexibility to place aircraft” with Avia Solutions Group’s ACMI operators when needed.
The $500 million will be deployed over the next 18 months and will be sourced from a “diversified base” of global investors.
Emzon Shung will lead the newly created company as CEO, bringing two decades of experience in aviation to the role. He previously served as managing director at MG Aviation.
“WOLF is a natural fit for Avia Solutions Group,” said Shung. “The Group’s airlines, MRO, and corporate infrastructure set WOLF up for success from day one.”
Stan Chmielewski, an aviation veteran with 40 years' experience, will serve as executive advisor and head of lessor trading.
The new team also includes Valhan Callan as head of capital markets and Brian Power as head of technical and asset management. Callan and Power hold 20 and 35 years' experience respectively.
“WOLF’s projected growth trajectory tracks that of [Avia Solutions Group’s] airlines,” said Callan.
Avia Solutions Group CEO Jonas Janukenas and AviaAM Leasing CEO Tadas Goberis will serve on the board of directors.
Avia Solutions Group operates 12 airlines in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The group is headquartered in Dublin, operating a fleet of over 200 aircraft and subsidiaries in MRO, training, ground handling, and aviation services.
The group is on track to operate over 500 aircraft by the end of the decade, representing an approximate 28% share of the global ACMI market. For WOLF, this will allow for it to nearly always have contingent lessees for its assets.
In November last year, the group placed its first-ever direct order with Boeing for up to 80 737 MAX 8 aircraft, consisting of 40 firm and 40 options. The order is managed by WOLF.