Clifford Chance advises SMBC Aviation Capital in connection with their investment in Sumisho Air Lease Corporation

Global law firm Clifford Chance has advised SMBC Aviation Capital in connection with their investment in Sumisho Air Lease Corporation. SMBC Aviation Capital’s co-investors in the acquisition are Sumitomo Corporation, Apollo and Brookfield. The transaction, valued at $28.2 billion including debt refinancing, is transformative for the aviation leasing sector.

Clifford Chance’s expertise in aircraft leasing and financing was integral in assisting with the transfer of Air Lease’s orderbook to SMBC Aviation Capital, bringing SMBC Aviation Capital’s orderbook with Airbus and Boeing to c. 420 aircraft. Clifford Chance also advised SMBC Aviation Capital on its new role as servicer to the substantial majority of Sumisho Air Lease’s portfolio of aircraft.

The Clifford Chance team was led by partner Paul Carrington with director Ryan Wild and senior associate Reiss Guiness.

For more information, see SMBC Aviation Capital's press release here.