Air Lease Corporation to Merge with Sumitomo-Led Consortium

Air Lease Corporation has entered into a definitive merger agreement with a consortium led by Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo, and Brookfield. The deal values Air Lease at approximately $7.4 billion, or $28.2 billion when including assumed debt. Shareholders of Air Lease will receive $65.00 in cash for each Class A common share held.

The agreement, unanimously approved by Air Lease’s board, is subject to customary closing conditions, including shareholder approval. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, after which the combined entity will operate under the name Sumisho Air Lease Corporation.

The consortium, which includes significant investment from SMBC, Citi, and Goldman Sachs Bank USA totaling $12.1 billion, will finance the acquisition without a financing contingency. Upon completion, the merged company will become one of the world’s largest aircraft leasing firms by fleet size.

American, Delta and Emirates as customers

Air Lease’s portfolio comprises aircraft such as the Airbus A320neo, A350, Boeing 737 MAX, and 787, serving major airlines including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Emirates. The combined fleet will focus on new-generation aircraft, aligning with global demand for fuel efficiency and fleet renewal.

Industry observers note that the merger may shift the competitive landscape of the global leasing market by creating an entity with increased financial scale and a diversified customer base. The company is expected to secure investment-grade credit ratings from agencies such as S&P, Fitch, and Kroll.

Next steps include regulatory reviews and a shareholder vote. If approved, the transaction is expected to close within the projected timeline, further consolidating the aircraft leasing sector and expanding the reach of Sumitomo Corporation’s aviation business.

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Ricardo Meier

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