Sumitomo, SMBC, Apollo and Brookfield completes Air Lease acquisition

Sumitomo Corporation (SSUMY), SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo-managed funds (APO) and Brookfield (BN) announced that they have completed the previously announced acquisition of Air Lease Corporation (AL) and have renamed the business Sumisho Air Lease Corporation. The companies said, “This transformational transaction improves the financial position of the business with long term support and aviation expertise from co-investors Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo and Brookfield. Sumisho Air Lease’s strong foundation as an established aircraft lessor, supported by SMBC Aviation Capital’s industry-leading capabilities as servicer, creates a platform with the scale and financial strength needed to meet the fast-changing and increasingly complex requirements of airline customers. Sumisho Air Lease will also benefit from the deep expertise and long-standing commitment that both Sumitomo Corporation and SMBC Aviation Capital bring to the global aviation leasing sector.” As part of the overall transaction, Air Lease’s orderbook has now transferred to SMBC Aviation Capital, bringing SMBC Aviation Capital’s orderbook with Airbus and Boeing to c. 420 aircraft. SMBC Aviation Capital will be the servicer to the majority of Sumisho Air Lease’s portfolio of aircraft, bringing SMBC Aviation Capital’s Owned, Serviced and Committed aircraft to over 1700 across over 170 airline Customers. The transaction was originally announced in September 2025, with Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo and Brookfield agreeing to acquire Air Lease for total valuation of approximately $7.4B, or approximately $28.2B including debt obligations to be assumed or refinanced net of cash.