SMBC Aviation Capital, one of the world’s leading aircraft leasing companies, has announced the successful close of its second Japanese-focused investment fund, GAEL II (Global Aviation Equipment Leasing). The fund, finalized on 20 August 2025 in Dublin, raised equity capital from 14 Japanese financial investors to acquire a portfolio of eight aircraft from SMBC Aviation Capital’s portfolio.
SMBC Aviation Capital has completed the delivery of its second Airbus A321-271NX to Air New Zealand Limited, finalizing a two-aircraft transaction between the Dublin-based lessor and the New Zealand flag carrier. This latest aircraft is powered by a pair of IAE PW1133G-JM geared turbofan engines, known for their fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, and represents a further enhancement to Air New…
SMBC Aviation Capital, a leading aircraft leasing firm headquartered in Dublin, has delivered an Airbus A320‑251N to SKY Express S.A., Greece’s prominent carrier. The aircraft, manufacturer serial number 12638, is powered by CFM International LEAP‑1A engines. Delivery was completed on June 26, 2025, at Airbus facilities in Toulouse, France.
SMBC Aviation Capital, a leading global aircraft lessor, has successfully delivered a new Airbus A320-251N to StarFlyer Inc. on July 23, 2025. The aircraft, bearing manufacturer serial number 12649, is the third A320neo provided to the Japanese airline under a three-plus-one aircraft agreement.
SMBC Aviation Capital, one of the world’s largest aircraft leasing companies, has finalized lease agreements with AJet, a Turkish airline, for five Airbus A320neo aircraft. This transaction represents a notable expansion in AJet’s narrowbody operations as it continues to scale up across domestic and regional routes.
SMBC Aviation Capital, one of the world’s leading aircraft leasing firms based in Ireland, has finalized an agreement to lease one Airbus A320neo to Air Cairo, an Egyptian low-cost and charter carrier. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2026, further supporting Air Cairo’s ongoing strategy to modernize and expand its fleet.
SMBC Aviation Capital, headquartered in Ireland, has released its fiscal year 2024 results for the period ending 31 March 2025, posting a 22% year-on-year increase in pre-tax profit to $563 million, excluding exceptional items. The lessor also confirmed $2 billion in core lease rental income and $1.41 billion in total recoveries related to Russian insurance settlements.
SMBC Aviation Capital, based in Ireland, has announced the successful closing of a sustainability-linked secured aircraft financing facility, backed by export credit agency (ECA) support. The transaction was executed with HSBC (UK) acting as Sole Mandated Lead Arranger (MLA), ECA Lender, Sustainability Coordinator, and Agent. The financing was further supported by Bpifrance Assurance Export (France) and will be used to finance A320neo…
Drukair, the national airline of Bhutan, has officially signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with SMBC Aviation Capital, a leading aircraft leasing firm based in Ireland, to lease a brand new Airbus A320neo. This agreement signals Drukair’s ongoing commitment to fleet renewal and network modernization.
SalamAir, the low-cost carrier based in Oman, is set to continue its strategic fleet expansion with the upcoming delivery of its 15th aircraft in June 2025—an Airbus A321 acquired on lease from SMBC Aviation Capital (Ireland). A second A321 is also scheduled to arrive in July, further strengthening the airline’s mid-capacity aircraft portfolio.
