Sumitomo Corporation, along with SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo-managed funds and Brookfield, has completed its acquisition of U.S.-based aircraft lessor Air Lease Corporation. The deal, first announced on September 2, 2025, closed on April 8, 2026, EDT, with Air Lease delisted from the New York Stock Exchange and renamed Sumisho Air Lease Corporation.
The transaction values Air Lease at approximately $7.4 billion in equity, or $28.2 billion including debt obligations, with Air Lease Class A common stockholders receiving $65 per share in cash. Sumitomo holds 37.505% economic interest and 47.505% on a voting-rights basis, SMBC Aviation Capital 24.99%, and Apollo and Brookfield each 18.7525%.[1][3][4][5]
Sumisho Air Lease manages over $29 billion in assets and 490 owned aircraft as of December 31, 2025, primarily new-technology models. SMBC Aviation Capital will service the majority of the portfolio, expanding its owned, serviced and committed aircraft to more than 1,700 across 170 airline customers.[3][1][2]
The new entity combines Air Lease’s customer base and asset management with Sumitomo’s aviation expertise. It holds an investment-grade credit rating from S&P Global and plans deeper collaboration on aircraft procurement, leasing, portfolio management and sustainability.[3][11]
The acquisition will not impact Sumitomo Corporation’s financial results for the fiscal year ending 2025, with effects reflected in 2026 forecasts.