Kuwait-based aircraft lessor Alafco has signed a framework agreement with Macquarie AirFinance under which an order for 20 Boeing 737 Max 8 jets would be transferred to the latter, potentially paving the way for a $2.2 billion acquisition by the Australian aircraft leasing firm.
Macquarie AirFinance is a leading provider of aircraft leasing and financing solutions, with a portfolio comprised of 189 aircraft leased to 77 airlines across 47 countries and an existing orderbook of 59 Airbus A320neo and A220-300 aircraft.
As per the deal, the Macquarie AirFinance shareholders will collectively contribute up to $600 million of new equity to the business to facilitate its purchase of 53 current and next-generation commercial passenger aircraft as well as an order for 20 Boeing 737 Max aircraft from the Kuwaiti government-backed Alafco.
This transaction will enable the business to further expand and diversify its fleet of aircraft while improving the emissions profile, scale, average age, remaining lease term, and orderbook size of Macquarie AirFinance as the recovery of the aviation sector gains pace.
In a separate statement, Macquarie Asset Management, PGGM Infrastructure Fund and Australian Retirement Trust (ART) who together own Macquarie AirFinance, said they would support the $2.2 billion acquisition of Alafco’s aircraft portfolio.
The transaction will be supported with a $1.65 billion acquisition facility, underwritten by BNP Paribas, Citibank, MUFG Bank, and Natixis, it added.
Jonathan Watkinson-Hall, Head of Asset Finance at Macquarie Asset Management, said: “This strategic acquisition will enable Macquarie AirFinance to grow its network of customers globally while increasing its exposure to more efficient aircraft.”
“As passengers return to the skies and investor appetite for transportation assets strengthens, we are excited to support Macquarie AirFinance as it acquires this attractive portfolio and positions for future growth,” he noted.
Dennis van Alphen, Head of Infrastructure Investments at PGGM, said: “With this investment, PGGM Infrastructure Fund follows through on its commitment made at the time of becoming a shareholder in Macquarie AirFinance in 2019 – to finance the acquisition of young aircraft and to provide an attractive risk-return to our clients.”
Alphen pointed out that in the next few decades, the global aviation industry will demand aircraft with an increasingly lower carbon footprint as the industry works towards its 2050 net zero target, as formulated by IATA member airlines in 2021.
“In that context, PGGM Infrastructure Fund will expect all of its investee companies to develop a credible long-term CO2 reduction strategy before 2030 to align themselves with the Paris Climate Agreement, so they meet our client PFZW’s climate ambition,” he added.
Michael Weaver, the Head of Global Real Assets at ART, said: “The diversification of Macquarie AirFinance’s fleet into more efficient and lower emissions aircraft is consistent with our broader strategies to lower net emissions across our portfolio, while never compromising on our members’ best financial interests.”
“Our partnership with Macquarie and PGGM in Macquarie AirFinance continues to provide ART’s members an attractive investment into a unique asset with diversification benefits across our portfolio,” he added.
Source: Civil Aviation Authority-Qatar