Aviation asset management and investment firm AIP Capital formed Phoenix Aviation Capital, an aircraft lessor focused on financing aircraft across the globe.
Phoenix Aviation Capital is 100% owned by a U.S-based insurance and financial services holding company with approximately $11 billion of assets under management. As part of the transaction, Phoenix Aviation Capital’s owner has also acquired a 49% stake in AIP, with AIP’s management team continuing to own a 51% majority. No other shareholders are involved in AIP.
Phoenix Aviation Capital will be managed exclusively by AIP, with Mathew Adamo, managing partner at AIP, serving on the company’s board. Adamo will be directly involved in the guidance, execution and oversight of the company’s growth strategy.
AIP is currently comprised of 20 professionals in Dublin and Stamford, CT, and anticipates employing 25 professionals by mid-2024, further supporting the marketing and operational requirements of Phoenix Aviation Capital.
“We are excited to announce the creation of Phoenix Aviation Capital, which our team has been working on for the past several months,” Adamo said. “The creation of Phoenix represents a key milestone in executing our strategy of meeting the fleet and financing needs of our global airline customers across market cycles.”
Phoenix Aviation Capital’s initial portfolio will be comprised of new generation aircraft on long-term leases to a customer base of airlines. The company has a definitive agreement to acquire the rights, interests and obligations of a portfolio of 30 737-8 aircraft from 777 Partners. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Phoenix Aviation Capital will also aim to secure additional long-term growth through sale-and-leaseback transactions with global airlines along with acquisitions from other aircraft leasing companies.
