SMBC Aviation Capital announces Global Aviation Equipment Leasing Fund (“GAEL”)

Dublin, 18 July 2019: SMBC Aviation Capital is pleased to announce the launch of the Global Aviation Equipment Leasing Fund (“GAEL”).

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.

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.

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.”