SMBC Aviation Capital closes GAEL II fund

GAEL II is a closed-end fund which has raised equity capital from 14 Japanese investors to acquire a portfolio of 8 aircraft from SMBC Aviation Capital. It follows the success of GAEL I which was launched in 2019.

With this latest transaction, in addition to our joint venture with La Caisse (previously CDPQ) which launched in 2024 as well as our growing Japanese Operating Lease business, SMBC Aviation Capital currently manages 110 aircraft valued at over $4.5bn on behalf of third-party investor customers.

Commenting on the announcement, Michael Littleton, Head of Aircraft Trading, SMBC Aviation Capital said: "GAEL II is an opportunity for a number of Japanese equity investors to deploy capital into stable and predictable returns backed by a high-quality portfolio of aircraft that will be serviced by SMBC Aviation Capital. We are pleased to have worked closely with our colleagues at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation to arrange this transaction"
 

CONTACTS:

Media:

Conor Irwin, SMBC Aviation Capital                +353 87 381 6106

Richard Webster-Smith, FGS Global               +44 20 7251 3801

Richard Crowley, FGS Global                   +44 20 7251 3801

ABOUT SMBC AVIATION CAPITAL:

SMBC Aviation Capital is the second largest aircraft lessor globally by number of aircraft and benefits from the strong support of its shareholders Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Sumitomo Corporation. SMBC Aviation Capital has a high-quality global airline customer base with a portfolio comprising 87% narrow-body aircraft and 73% new technology aircraft (by net book value). SMBC Aviation Capital has a strong capital position and holds an A- and BBB+ rating with S&P and Fitch respectively, reflecting the long-term strength of its business. For more information, please visit: https://www.smbc.aero/