SMBC Aviation Capital reports growth following Sumisho acquisition
Dublin-based SMBC Aviation Capital has expanded its global platform following the completion of its acquisition of Sumisho Air Lease Corporation, a transaction finalised after the close of its financial year to March 31, 2026.
The combined entity comprises approximately 1,700 owned, managed and committed aircraft, with total assets of around $89 billion and a customer base of more than 170 airlines. It also includes a 430-aircraft orderbook valued at $26 billion, with around 90% of placements secured through the first quarter of 2028.
Separately, the lessor reported profit before tax of $707 million for FY2025, representing a 20% year-on-year increase on an adjusted basis. Lease revenue rose to $1.97 billion, supported by continued demand for leased aircraft and strong placement levels.
During the period, SMBC Aviation Capital delivered 59 aircraft valued at $3.4 billion and signed $3.3 billion in new leasing agreements. The company also recorded $2.6 billion in aircraft sales, with a further $2.6 billion in transactions already committed for the following financial year.
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Fleet composition continued to shift towards newer assets, with new technology aircraft accounting for 80% of the owned portfolio.
The company also strengthened its funding position, completing an upsize of its syndicated bank facility to $3.7 billion and ending the year with liquidity in excess of $15 billion.
According to the company, the results reflect ongoing demand for next-generation aircraft and stable conditions in both the leasing and secondary trading markets
CEO Peter Barrett described the year as one of the most significant in the company’s history, highlighting both strong earnings growth and the strategic impact of the Sumisho deal for the current year.
“The completion of the Sumisho Air Lease acquisition has transformed our business and the wider sector. It places SMBC Aviation Capital at the centre of the world’s leading aviation financing platform, providing the scale, product breadth and capital strength to meet the evolving needs of our customers and deliver value for our investors,” Barrett said.
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