SMBC Aviation Capital reports 20% profit growth as Sumisho acquisition transforms global platform

Dublin-based aircraft lessor SMBC Aviation Capital has reported pre-tax profit of $707 million (€650 million) for the financial year to 31 March 2026, a 20% year-on-year increase on an adjusted basis, alongside the completion of its acquisition of Sumisho Air Lease Corporation following the close of the financial year.

According to Aviation Business News, the combined entity now comprises approximately 1,700 owned, managed and committed aircraft, with total assets of around $89 billion (€81.8 billion) and a customer base of more than 170 airlines. The group's orderbook stands at 430 aircraft valued at $26 billion (€23.9 billion), with around 90% of placements secured through the first quarter of 2028.

Lease revenue for FY2025 rose to $1.97 billion (€1.81 billion), supported by sustained demand for leased aircraft and strong placement levels. During the year, SMBC Aviation Capital delivered 59 aircraft valued at $3.4 billion (€3.1 billion) and signed $3.3 billion (€3 billion) in new leasing agreements. Aircraft sales totalled $2.6 billion (€2.4 billion), with a further $2.6 billion in transactions already committed for the following financial year.

New technology aircraft accounted for 80% of the owned portfolio as fleet composition continued to shift toward next-generation assets. The company strengthened its funding position by upsizing its syndicated bank facility to $3.7 billion (€3.4 billion) and ended the year with liquidity in excess of $15 billion (€13.8 billion).

CEO Peter Barrett described the year as one of the most significant in the company's history. "The completion of the Sumisho Air Lease acquisition has transformed our business and the wider sector. It places SMBC Aviation Capital at the centre of the world's leading aviation financing platform," he said.

Explore the full financial results and details of the Sumisho acquisition in the full article.