Sumitomo, SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo and Brookfield to acquire Air Lease Corporation in $7.4 billion deal

Sumitomo Corporation, alongside SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo-managed funds, and Brookfield, has agreed to acquire U.S.-based Air Lease Corporation (ALC) for approximately US$7.4 billion (¥1.09 trillion). The deal is expected to close in Q1 FY2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

Following completion, ALC will be renamed Sumisho Air Lease Corporation, with Sumitomo holding a 37.5% stake.

SMBC Aviation Capital will service most of the new company’s fleet, significantly expanding its global portfolio and positioning the group among the world’s largest aircraft lessors.

ALC brings a strong portfolio of new-technology aircraft, supporting fleet modernisation and efficiency.

The acquisition aligns with Sumitomo’s Medium-Term Management Plan, reinforcing aircraft leasing as a core growth pillar. With global air traffic surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2024 and long-term growth forecast at 3.8% annually through 2043, demand for leased aircraft is expected to expand.

Sumitomo, active in aviation since the 1980s, aims to strengthen its global leadership across aircraft, engine, and helicopter leasing, while supporting sustainability initiatives such as parts reuse and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).