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One of the world's largest aircraft lessors, SMBC Aviation Capital, together with Japan's Sumitomo Corporation, has agreed to acquire Air Lease Corporation. The transaction will be completed through a newly formed entity named Sumisho Air Lease Corporation (Ireland) DAC. Following the acquisition, Air Lease will be renamed Sumisho Air Lease Corporation (“Sumisho Air Lease”), and its order book will be transferred to SMBC Aviation Capital. Both companies currently lease aircraft to major airlines worldwide.
On September 2, 2025, SMBC, Sumitomo Corporation, Apollo Managed Funds (Apollo), and Brookfield reached a definitive agreement for the acquisition. Apollo and Brookfield are providing capital alongside Sumitomo and SMBC as aligned investors. The new entity aims to address airline and investor demand in an environment where aircraft supply is limited.
Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders of Air Lease common stock will receive $65.00 per share in cash. This values the company at approximately $7.4 billion or about $28.2 billion including debt obligations that will be assumed or refinanced net of cash. The resulting entity is expected to have investment-grade ratings and a diverse portfolio focused on modern aircraft types.
