12 Jun 2025

#2 June 2025: Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter

ACIA Aero Leasing Renews and Upsizes Syndicated Credit Facility

ACIA Aero Leasing announced the successful extension and expansion of its existing syndicated credit facility, led by Investec Bank. The facility now includes both term loan and revolving credit tranches, with the addition of a new subordinated term loan tranche. This enhanced structure provides increased flexibility and funding capacity to support ACIA’s growing aircraft portfolio and global leasing operations. Absa Corporate and Investment Banking has joined the syndicate alongside two leading institutional investors, Ninety One and Sanlam Alternative Investments, marking a significant broadening of ACIA’s banking relationships and lender base. The expanded facility will support ACIA’s continued growth. 

ACIA Aero Leasing SVP Banking and Capital Markets Bradley Gordon, said, “We are very pleased with the successful expansion of our lender basis and extension of our credit facility. The addition of Absa, Ninety One and Sanlam Alternative Investments into the syndicate, alongside the continued support and leadership of Investec Bank, demonstrates the deep trust placed in us by our financing partners. We are grateful for their commitment and support.”

Avolon Delivers First Airbus A320neo to Royal Jordanian

Avolon, announced it has completed the delivery of the first Airbus A320neo in Royal Jordanian’s fleet. The aircraft is the first of eight A320neos to be delivered by Avolon over the next 12 months. The new aircraft will support Royal Jordanian’s fleet expansion strategy in key markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, and its transition to new technology aircraft. Avolon and Royal Jordanian are long-standing partners, and these A320neo family deliveries add to the two Boeing 787-8s Avolon already has on lease to the airline.

Avolon President and Chief Commercial Officer Paul Geaney, stated, “We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with Royal Jordanian with this first A320neo delivery. We are proud to play a central role in the airline’s fleet expansion plans, leveraging our large orderbook to support Royal Jordanian’s future growth. As passenger traffic in the region continues to grow, we look forward to future opportunities to work together.”

Cerberus Capital Acquires Turboprop Lessor Abelo

Abelo announce that an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. has acquired the Company from funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.  Abelo is well-positioned for long-term, sustainable growth. With Cerberus’ support, Abelo will continue advancing strategic initiatives to expand the platform’s reach and strengthen its partnerships in its next phase of growth. 

Abelo CEO, Stephen Gorman said, “This transaction marks an exciting milestone for Abelo. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built in a short space of time, and grateful for the support from Oaktree in helping us establish a purpose-driven platform with a clear vision for the future of regional aviation. With Cerberus as our new partner, we’re well-positioned to accelerate our growth, deepen our customer relationships, and continue delivering solutions that support more efficient and sustainable air connectivity around the world.”

Acumen’s Take

On ACIA Aero Leasing’s Syndicated Credit Facility Renewal

ACIA’s successful renewal and upsizing of its syndicated facility, with new entrants like Absa, Ninety One, and Sanlam, underscores strong lender confidence in its regional leasing strategy. The inclusion of a subordinated tranche adds capital structure flexibility, enabling ACIA to aggressively pursue mid-life and niche turboprop placements, particularly in emerging markets where financing options are often limited.

On Avolon’s A320neo Delivery to Royal Jordanian

Avolon’s delivery of the first A320neo to Royal Jordanian signals a strategic shift in the airline’s fleet modernisation as it transitions from legacy types to fuel-efficient narrowbodies. This also reflects Avolon’s strength in placing core Airbus assets with flag carriers in politically sensitive markets, leveraging deep client relationships and product access to reinforce its global lessor positioning.

On Cerberus’s Acquisition of Abelo

Cerberus’s acquisition of Abelo from Oaktree marks a significant consolidation move in the turboprop leasing space. As demand for regional aircraft rises, especially post-COVID, Cerberus’s entry provides Abelo with long-term capital to scale its ATR portfolio and deepen its presence in underserved markets. This transition positions Abelo to become a more influential player in regional connectivity initiatives globally.

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