Launch of a Multibillion Dollar Aircraft Leasing Fund
Challenge
Our client set out to launch and manage a Shariah-compliant aircraft leasing fund with a targeted capitalization of five billion dollars. The structure of the fund required a combination of equity and debt, with a targeted asset profile of new narrowbody and widebody aircraft.
ACC Aviation was engaged to develop the financial model as part of the funds capital raising process, providing critical analysis and due diligence material for prospective equity and debt investors. After successfully launching and capitalizing the funds, the client required further specialist support in negotiating various contracts, including aircraft lease agreements, engine power-by-the-hour agreements, OEM delivery concessions, side letters, and various BFE & SCN selection requirements.
Our Approach
Across the duration of the project, ACC Aviation carried out several key activities:
- Financial Modeling. ACC Aviation developed a robust financial model, forecasting the fund’s economics, future aircraft values (calculating actual and synthetic values against lease return conditions and maintenance reserves), projected investor returns, lease management fees and fund expenses, debt amortization schedule and various financing ratios.
- Financing Support. Alongside the development of the financial model, ACC Aviation provided opinion letters confirming expected aircraft residual values at the end of the lease term, including aircraft redelivery conditions and forecasted maintenance reserve balances.
- Contract Advisory. Throughout the various transaction processes, ACC Aviation advised the client on negotiating various contracts associated with the deal, including aircraft lease agreements, engine power-by-the-hour agreements, OEM delivery concessions, side letters, and multiple BFE & SCN selection requirements.
Client outcomes
The fund was launched and successfully capitalized in line with the client’s objectives. It has since expanded its portfolio to more than 50 new-generation narrowbody and widebody aircraft, receiving several awards for its innovative capital structure and leasing transactions.
ACC Aviation continues to support the client on various technical matters, including portfolio valuations and technical inspections.
Key achievements
- Successfully capitalized and launched a multibillion-dollar aircraft leasing fund.
- Successfully deployment of capital into an aircraft portfolio of more than 50 new generation narrowbody and widebody aircraft.
Related case studies
Managing the Acquisition of a Portfolio of 7 Aircraft for a Returning Client
ACC Aviation successfully managed a complex transaction of 7 Boeing 737 Classics, showcasing expertise in valuation, negotiation, and compliance.
Remarketing Niche Aircraft, the Sale of a Dornier 328-100
Discover how ACC Aviation successfully sold Eagle Air Iceland's Dornier 328-100 aircraft to an Asian buyer, increasing client proceeds by 38% and optimising their fleet. Learn about our aircraft remarketing and fleet optimization services today.
Comair Liquidation: Aircraft recovery, transition, and remarketing
Discover how ACC Aviation navigated complex aircraft recovery and remarketing challenges, securing optimal outcomes for a bank client amidst bankruptcy protection and liquidation.
Advising a lender on drafting and negotiating an aircraft lease agreement
ACC Aviation provided valuable assistance to a West African financial institution by helping them protect their interests and reduce financial exposure during an aircraft remarketing process. Through careful tailoring of the aircraft lease agreement to account for the unique technical condition of the aircraft, ACC Aviation was able to help the lender structure a lease that effectively transferred significant risk and capital expenditure to the lessee.