19 Jun 2025
#3 June 2025: Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter
Abelo Secures up to $750 Million Warehouse Facility to Support Growth Plans
Abelo announced the closing of a new warehouse financing facility valued at up to $750 million, supporting its next phase of expansion. Underwritten by Deutsche Bank, with Deutsche Bank acting as Sole Structuring Agent and both Deutsche Bank and MUFG serving as Joint Lead Arrangers, this facility enhances Abelo’s ability to capitalise on growth opportunities across the regional aircraft sector. The new funding will enable Abelo to strategically expand its fleet, deepen its customer portfolio, and continue driving the adoption of more sustainable, efficient aircraft.
Abelo CEO Stephen Gorman stated: “Securing this facility represents another important milestone for Abelo. With the support of our new investor and key financing partners, we are in a strong position to strategically scale our platform, serve our customers, and continue leading the transition to more sustainable and efficient regional aviation.”
Aerostar Signs General Trading Agreement with AerCap Materials
AerCap Materials announced the signing of a General Trading Agreement (GTA) with AeroStar Inc. This agreement formalises a partnership focusing on the refurbishment of aircraft components by AeroStar. AerCap Materials, one of the world’s largest distributors of Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, and Embraer components — as well as Pratt & Whitney engine parts — strengthens its service capabilities with this partnership, further enhancing its ability to meet aftermarket demand across multiple platforms.
CDB Aviation Subsidiary CDBL FUNDING 1 Prices $700 Million Dual-Tranche Senior Unsecured Notes
CDB Aviation’s subsidiary CDBL FUNDING 1 successfully priced a dual-tranche senior unsecured notes offering totalling $700 million on May 20, 2025. Issued under its $3 billion Medium Term Note Programme in Regulation S format, the offering was fully supported by CDB Aviation’s guarantor, China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. The transaction saw robust demand from global investors, with the orderbook peaking above $4 billion and allocations made to approximately 100 institutional accounts.
CDB Aviation CEO Jie Chen said: “This marks CDB Aviation’s return to the international bond market after a four-year hiatus. This issuance is a key milestone in executing our long-term funding strategy. By diversifying our funding sources, optimizing our debt structure, and better matching assets with liabilities, we are positioning CDB Aviation for sustainable, long-term growth.”
Acumen’s Take
On Abelo’s $750M Warehouse Facility
Abelo’s new warehouse facility provides substantial liquidity for future growth, positioning it strongly to scale its regional aircraft platform. The addition of Deutsche Bank and MUFG reflects growing confidence from global lenders in regional aircraft’s stable cashflow profile and rising demand as carriers seek right-sized, fuel-efficient fleets for short-haul networks.
On AerCap Materials–Aerostar Trading Agreement
The GTA with AeroStar signals AerCap Materials’ continuing push to broaden its global component repair and distribution network. As aftermarket activity grows across ageing Airbus and Boeing fleets, repair partnerships like these allow material providers to capture value across both part-outs and active inventory management.
On CDB Aviation’s Return to the Bond Market
CDB Aviation’s successful $700 million dual-tranche issuance underscores improving market appetite for well-capitalised Chinese leasing platforms returning to global debt markets. The strong oversubscription reflects investor confidence in CDB’s government-backed credit profile and its efforts to diversify funding ahead of further fleet expansion.
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