Debt Financing to Increase Lessor’s Funding Capacity for High-Touch Aircraft and Engine Transactions
NEW YORK – November 7, 2023 – Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”), a leading lessor focused on end-of-life solutions, announced today the successful closing of a $100 million financing.
The financing is aimed at increasing Aquila’s ability to deliver bespoke lease solutions for passenger and cargo operators across the globe.
“We are thrilled to announce the successful closing of this new credit facility. It will enable us to further our mission of being a trusted partner to all players in the value chain, from buyers and sellers of aircraft assets to operators,” said Al Wood, Aquila Air Capital’s Chief Executive Officer.
Deutsche Bank acted as Sole Structuring Agent and Underwriter for the financing.
Since the lessor’s inception in 2021, Aquila has been focusing on end-of-life aircraft transactions and has amassed a portfolio of 65 aircraft and engine assets on lease to more than 20 customers globally.
“We’re building a world-class customer-centric organization that is uniquely positioned to provide a wide range of bespoke leasing solutions for complex transactions. We appreciate the strong support from our investor and lender base; it reflects the market’s confidence in the outlook for our industry and Aquila’s operations,” Wood added.
Founded in 2021, Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”) is a specialty finance platform focused on providing aviation asset financing, as well as purchasing and leasing aircraft and engines. Led by a management team with decades of experience in the aerospace and aviation industries, Aquila is a trusted partner to all players in the value chain, from buyers and sellers of assets to operators in need of creative and timely solutions for their critical business needs. www.AquilaAirCapital.com
Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”), a leading specialty aviation finance platform, announced today that it has executed a new financing facility involving three Boeing 737-800s in partnership with Royal Aero.
The transaction represents the second financing that Aquila has completed with Royal Aero, having financed another three 737-800s last year.
“In working alongside Ashland Place, we were again pleased to be able to find an optimal and expeditious solution for the transaction. Our teams continue to work very well together,” commented Al Wood, Aquila Air Capital’s Chief Executive Officer.
“Working with the Ashland Place team allows us to move quickly and strategically when we see opportunities in the marketplace to expand our portfolio,” said Paul Jackson, Chief Commercial Officer at Royal Aero.
“We are excited to once again partner with Royal Aero and Aquila,” commented Jennifer Villa, Ashland Place’s Executive Director and Group Head. “Executing efficiently on innovative solutions for clients continues to be our top priority, and we look forward to supporting the Royal Aero and Aquila teams on future projects.”
Ashland Place Finance advised on the facility. McGuire Woods represented Royal Aero and Aquila on this transaction.
Founded in 2021, Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”) is a specialty finance platform focused on providing aviation asset financing, as well as purchasing and leasing aircraft and engines. Led by a management team with decades of experience in the aerospace and aviation industries, Aquila is a trusted partner to all players in the value chain, from buyers and sellers of assets to operators in need of creative and timely solutions for their critical business needs. www.AquilaAirCapital.com
Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”), a leading specialty aviation finance platform, announced today the appointment of Lisa Rooney as Senior Vice President, Finance.
“We warmly welcome Lisa to Aquila, whose extensive background in past aviation lease finance functions will greatly benefit our financial operations and guide our platform’s financial stability and growth,” said Al Wood, Aquila Air Capital’s Chief Executive Officer.
Rooney joins the company from Dublin-based Investec, where she most recently held the role of Aviation Financial Controller. Prior to that, she spent almost 12 years at Standard Chartered Bank, where she oversaw aviation projects. Her roles included Aviation Finance and Projects Manager, as well as Senior Financial Accountant and Financial Operations Officer. Rooney holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and Finance. She also attended St. Mary’s College in Dundalk, Co Louth, Ireland.
Founded in 2021, Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”) is a specialty finance platform focused on providing aviation asset financing, as well as purchasing and leasing aircraft and engines. Led by a management team with decades of experience in the aerospace and aviation industries, Aquila is a trusted partner to all players in the value chain, from buyers and sellers of assets to operators in need of creative and timely solutions for their critical business needs. www.AquilaAirCapital.com