MUFG supports the financing of AviLease’s acquisition of Standard Chartered’s aviation leasing business

MUFG is pleased to have successfully supported the provision of a $2.1 billion bridge facility for AviLease for the acquisition of Standard Chartered’s aviation leasing platform. MUFG acted as underwriter, bookrunner, mandated lead arranger and hedging bank.

AviLease, a recently-established global aircraft lessor wholly owned by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF), will now own and manage 167 aircraft on lease to 46 airlines globally, accelerating its plans to become a top-10 global lessor by 2030.

MUFG supported AviLease in its first acquisition financing, which relied on a group of four international leading banks to ensure optimal structuring and execution.

Phil Roberts, Head of Global Corporate and Investment Banking, MUFG EMEA, said:

“We are delighted to have partnered with AviLease in this milestone transaction that supports their ambitious growth plans.

“The unique combination of our aviation sector leadership, strong regional presence in the Middle East and proficiency in complex M&A financing positioned MUFG as a strong partner to support AviLease on this important transaction.”

Elyas Algaseer, Head of Global Corporate and Investment Banking, MENA, commented:

“AviLease is one of the key players established by PIF to support the KSA’s Aviation sector. MUFG is honoured to have supported AviLease on this successful and landmark transaction which has placed Saudi Arabia amongst the top players in the global aviation market. Using the strength of our global aviation platform, we look forward to continuing our partnership with AviLease and PIF to aid the further development of the industry in KSA.”

Edward O’Byrne, Chief Executive Officer, AviLease, said:

“Today marks an important milestone for AviLease. With the completion of this acquisition, we are strengthening our position in the global aircraft leasing sector, in line with our ambition to become a top-10 global lessor by 2030. Through the expanded scale and synergies, we aim to accelerate our path towards an investment-grade rating. We are pleased to welcome our new colleagues to the AviLease team.”