SMBC Aviation Capital cements presence in Asia with Hong Kong operation

Hong Kong, October 30th 2018 - SMBC Aviation Capital has today announced that it has established an operating company in Hong Kong, SMBC Aviation Capital Hong Kong Limited which will cement its footprint in the region. The leading aircraft leasing group has previously had a presence in the region through an affiliated company.

The decision to establish a Hong Kong operation is testament to the growth in demand for aircraft in the Asian market and the continued need to service that demand locally. The decision also coincides with the new regime initiated by the Hong Kong government which provides attractive incentives for aircraft leasing companies to set up operations in the region.

In addition to being at the centre of one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world, another key benefit is access to a vibrant capital market.

Peter Barrett, Chief Executive Officer of SMBC Aviation Capital, said: “Today we are opening another chapter in the story of SMBC Aviation Capital. Hong Kong is an attractive place for us to do business. It is one of the Asian capital markets hubs, serves as home base for a multitude of aviation-related businesses and remains a key centre for global trade. Additionally, as airlines in China and elsewhere in the region continue to expand their businesses, we are determined to bring to bear our expertise to serve new and existing customers.

We have reached a size and scale in Hong Kong which makes economic sense for us to set up an operating company. It also underpins our strategy to build our presence in one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world.

We remain fully committed to Ireland and maintaining our principal presence in Dublin which continues to serve our business and the industry extremely well, with a strong ecosystem, treaty network and other government support.”

SMBC Aviation Capital Hong Kong Limited will formally open by the end of November 2018.