16/04/2019

SMBC Aviation Capital closes $500 million senior unsecured offering

-Fourth successful capital fundraising represents a further endorsement by the market of the company’s future growth prospects -

Dublin, April 15, 2019: SMBC Aviation Capital, one of the world’s leading aircraft leasing companies, today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, SMBC Aviation Capital Finance DAC, has closed the sale of $500 million principal amount of 3.55%, five-year senior unsecured notes due April 2024 (the “Notes”). The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by SMBC Aviation Capital.

This successful bond placement - priced at US Treasuries plus 125 basis points. The proceeds from the offering will be used for general corporate purposes which may include, among other things, the purchase of aircraft and the repayment of existing indebtedness. This also follows an announcement in November last year that the company had received an A- rating from S&P (along with its existing A- rating from Fitch) and is now the joint highest rated lessor in the industry.

Commenting on the issuance, Barry Flannery, Chief Financial Officer of SMBC Aviation Capital, said:

“The successful completion and attractive pricing of this transaction is yet another endorsement from the market of SMBC Aviation Capital’s strategy and long-term growth prospects. The pricing achieved proves that our quality portfolio and long track record combined with our strong balance sheet and future prospects are compelling and differentiating factors for us, and this transaction is another significant milestone in the development of our third-party funding plans for the business.”

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For more information please contact:

Conor Irwin, SMBC Aviation Capital: +353 87 3816106

Powerscourt: +44 (0)20 7250 1446 / +353 (0) 83 448 8339

Note to Editors:

About SMBC Aviation Capital

SMBC Aviation Capital is one of the world’s top 5 largest aircraft lessors, with 87 airline customers in 41 countries.As of 31st December 2018, the company owns, manages and is committed to purchase 663 aircraft.Established in 2001, the company was acquired in 2012 following by a consortium comprising two of Japan’s biggest companies SMFG and Sumitomo Corporation.

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