Sumitomo Corporation has completed the acquisition of US-based aircraft leasing company Air Lease Corporation (Air Lease), alongside co-investors SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo and Brookfield. The transaction, first announced in September 2025, closed on April 8, (EDT), with Air Lease delisted from the New York Stock Exchange and rebranded as Sumisho Air Lease.
The deal creates one of the world’s largest aircraft leasing businesses by fleet size, positioning the group to capitalise on sustained growth in global air travel and rising demand for more fuel-efficient, next-generation aircraft. Airlines are increasingly turning to leasing to improve capital efficiency and accelerate fleet renewal, reinforcing the strategic importance of lessors.
Sumisho Air Lease will combine Air Lease’s established customer base and asset management capabilities with Sumitomo Corporation’s aviation expertise and global network. The company aims to expand investment in advanced, environmentally efficient aircraft, strengthen earnings stability and enhance access to global capital markets.
Led by an experienced management team, the business will deepen collaboration with Sumitomo Corporation Group and SMBC Aviation Capital, building an integrated operating model spanning aircraft procurement, lease structuring, portfolio management and sustainability initiatives to boost global competitiveness.
The acquisition is not expected to affect Sumitomo Corporation’s results for the financial year ending 2025. Any financial impact will be reflected in its 2026 full-year earnings forecast.
