SMBC Aviation Capital completes $6.3B takeover of Air Lease

The deal creates one of the world's largest aircraft leasing companies.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:48pm

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Irish aircraft lessor SMBC Aviation Capital and other investors, including Sumitomo Corporation, Apollo, and Brookfield, have completed a $7.4 billion (€6.3 billion) deal to acquire rival Air Lease, a Dublin and Los Angeles-based company. The combined entity will become one of the world's largest aircraft leasing firms.

Why it matters

The acquisition allows SMBC Aviation Capital to significantly expand its scale and market presence in the aircraft leasing industry, which has seen increased demand for new aircraft amid supply chain constraints. The combined company will be better positioned to provide customers with the latest aircraft models and flexible leasing solutions.

The details

SMBC Aviation Capital, one of the world's top aircraft leasing firms, has finalized the purchase of Air Lease Corporation, a major competitor based in Dublin and Los Angeles. The $7.4 billion deal will create a leasing giant with a combined fleet of over 1,000 aircraft. SMBC says the enhanced scale and financial strength will allow it to better serve airline customers' growth needs with the latest aircraft models.

  • The deal was announced and completed on April 8, 2026.

The players

SMBC Aviation Capital

An Irish aircraft leasing company and one of the world's top aircraft lessors.

Air Lease Corporation

A Dublin and Los Angeles-based aircraft leasing firm that was acquired by SMBC Aviation Capital.

Sumitomo Corporation

A major shareholder in SMBC Aviation Capital that participated in the acquisition of Air Lease.

Apollo

An investment firm that partnered with SMBC Aviation Capital and others to acquire Air Lease.

Brookfield

An investment firm that partnered with SMBC Aviation Capital and others to acquire Air Lease.

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The takeaway

This acquisition creates one of the world's largest aircraft leasing companies, giving SMBC Aviation Capital greater scale and resources to meet the growing demand for new aircraft from airlines amid ongoing supply chain challenges in the aviation industry.