The firms' joint platform deployed its initial US$1.5-billion commitment ahead of schedule, with 21 aircraft now leased to 13 airlines across 10 markets
Canadian pension fund manager La Caisse and SMBC Aviation Capital have doubled the size of Maple Aircraft Company Holdings (MACH), their joint aircraft financing and leasing platform, from US$1.5 billion to US$3 billion, according to a release Thursday.
The expansion, announced September 3, follows the full deployment of MACH's initial capital commitment ahead of the original timeline. Launched in 2024, the platform has assembled a portfolio of 21 aircraft leased to 13 airline customers across 10 markets, focusing on new-technology, fuel-efficient models. The investment period now extends through December 2029.
SMBC Aviation Capital, which services a fleet of more than 1,750 aircraft with over 170 airlines globally, will continue to source transactions for MACH and act as servicer.
Demand for flexible financing
"The successful deployment of MACH demonstrates the strength of our partnership with La Caisse and the continuing demand for flexible aircraft financing solutions," Barry Flannery, chief commercial officer of SMBC Aviation Capital, said.
Expanding the platform positions the partners to support airline customers seeking access to the fuel-efficient aircraft types currently most in demand, he added.
Martin Longchamps, executive vice-president and head of private equity and private credit at La Caisse, pointed to the combination of specialized aviation expertise, deep industry relationships and patient long-term capital as a driver of MACH's early results.
"With favourable long-term market dynamics and increasing demand for flexible financing solutions, MACH is well-positioned to expand its portfolio and capitalize on attractive opportunities across the aviation leasing market," he said.
