Is $7.4B Aircraft Deal A Crazy Gamble? | JQJO

Air Lease Corporation, a major aircraft leasing firm, is being acquired for $7.4 billion by a group of investors led by Sumitomo and SMBC Aviation Capital. This deal, representing a significant consolidation in the industry, values Air Lease at approximately $28.2 billion. The acquisition reflects a growing trend: aircraft lessors now own a larger portion of the global passenger jet fleet (58%) due to previous aircraft shortages and airlines' improved financial positions. However, recent airline struggles highlight market instability. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2026, creating a larger entity based in Dublin.