Qatar Airways Group has completed its first Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option (JOLCO) financing agreement for three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The transaction represents a significant milestone in the airline’s aircraft financing strategy, with HSBC serving as debt arranger and sole lender, while JP Lease Products & Services (JLPS) was responsible for underwriting and arranging the JOLCO equity.
The agreement is the first of three planned transactions under Qatar Airways Group’s new Japanese JOLCO financing programme, which will cover seven aircraft in total. JLPS will act as equity arranger for the entire programme. The initiative marks the Group’s entry into Japan’s aircraft financing market and broadens its financial relationships across Asia.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Hamad Al-Khater, commented on the new transaction: “We view the JOLCO market as a strategic long-term funding source and expect to maintain a consistent presence as we finance future fleet investments and growth opportunities.” He continued “This transaction provides Qatar Airways with an important foothold in the Japanese financing market, offering access to a deep pool of capital on extremely attractive financial terms. It further diversifies our funding sources, broadens our investor base, and positions the Group to support its future aircraft financing requirements efficiently and competitively.”
Teiji Ishikawa, President and Chief Executive Officer of JP Lease Products & Services, highlighted Qatar Airways’ strong credit profile and its appeal to Japanese investors, while Abdul Hakeem Mostafawi, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Qatar, underlined the bank’s longstanding strategic relationship with the airline group.
