Sculptor Capital Management, a global alternative asset manager specializing in opportunistic investing, closed Eclipse 2026-1, a $415.5 million aircraft securitization. The transaction marks an ABS offering under a new sponsor–servicer relationship between Sculptor and SMBC Aviation Capital, combining SMBC Aviation Capital’s global servicing platform with Sculptor’s asset management expertise and reflecting a shared focus on long-term asset performance across market cycles.
Eclipse 2026-1 also establishes a strategic partnership between SMBC Aviation Capital and Eclipse focused on a diversified portfolio of aircraft assets comprised of 23 Boeing and Airbus aircraft on lease to 16 global airlines in 15 countries, with a total appraised value of approximately $500 million.
“Aviation continues to present highly attractive investment dynamics within asset based finance, and Eclipse 2026-1 reflects our conviction in both the underlying assets and the strength of this partnership,” Udai Bishnoi, global head of asset-based finance for the office of the CIO at Sculptor, said. “As one of the largest aircraft lessors, SMBC Aviation Capital brings the scale, operational depth and long-term orientation that aligns with how Sculptor underwrites aviation risk. Together, we believe this partnership positions us well to continue deploying capital into high-quality aviation assets backed by durable global demand.”
SMBC Aviation Capital will continue to service the portfolio, with an affiliate of Sculptor serving as asset manager.
