One of Canada’s major institutional fund managers, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Quebec (CDPQ), and SMBC Aviation Capital, the world's second largest aircraft leasing company, have created a global aircraft financing and leasing platform dedicated to modern, fuel-efficient NextGen aircraft.

This new platform will focus on worldwide opportunities in new technology aircraft and target an initial deployment of US$500 million per year, over three years.

Dublin-based and Japanese-owned SMBC Aviation Capital will source transactions and, under a sistership condition, invest in opportunities alongside the platform.

SMBC Aviation Capital will also act as servicer for the platform, which will operate under the branding of Maple Aircraft Company Holdings Limited.

“We are pleased to partner with CDPQ on this new platform to benefit our airline customers worldwide,” says Peter Barrett, chief executive officer of SMBC Aviation Capital. “CDPQ is an experienced, well-respected global investment group, which is aligned with our own views on capital allocation and a sustainable aviation industry. We look forward to working with our new partners over the coming years on this collaboration.”

SMBC Aviation Capital is the second largest aircraft operating lease company globally, with a fleet of over 900 owned, managed and committed aircraft.