SKY Leasing LLC, a prominent alternative investment manager with a strong pedigree in aviation finance, has reported the final close of its flagship fund, SKY Fund VI, L.P. (along with its parallel vehicle, collectively known as “SFVI” or “the Fund”). The Fund closed substantially above its original target, securing over US$1.35 billion in capital commitments. This robust investor confidence highlights the growing appeal of aviation investments and the trust placed in SKY Leasing's expertise.
Investors from a broad spectrum—including global insurance firms, sovereign wealth funds, pension schemes, endowments, foundations, and family offices—have backed the Fund, both returning and new. The result underscores SKY Leasing's standing as a trusted partner in aviation finance, owing much to its decades-long industry presence, strategic relationships, and focused investment strategies.
Building on a proven track record, SFVI aims to extend SKY's successful investment philosophy, which is rooted in delivering bespoke capital solutions to airlines. Central to this is the sale-and-leaseback model, targeting new and next-generation aircraft—a critical move as airlines continue transitioning their fleets towards more efficient technology.
As Chief Executive Officer Austin Wiley remarked, “The capital raised for SFVI is a testament to the strong institutional investor demand for SKY's unique approach to origination and portfolio construction. Our global airline partners increasingly seek capital to transition their fleets from current to new technology aircraft.”
To date, SFVI has already committed over US$600 million to acquire a fleet of 62 aircraft. This follows a consistent approach seen across SKY's previous flagship funds—identifying high-quality opportunities with strategically significant airlines. By doing so, SKY Leasing continues to reinforce its role as a vital enabler in the evolving aviation landscape, adept at creating value in complex, capital-intensive situations.
