The aircraft leasing industry in Europe is a dynamic sector where companies acquire aircraft and lease them to airlines or businesses. This model provides flexibility for airlines to manage their fleets without heavy capital expenditure on purchasing aircraft. Companies range from large corporations to smaller specialized firms, offering various terms such as operating and finance leases. As demand for air travel grows and sustainability becomes a priority, the industry is adapting with a focus on fuel-efficient and greener aircraft options. Additionally, technological innovations are reshaping leasing operations, paving the way for increased automation and efficiency.


In 2024, a mix of investor types was active within the European aircraft leasing market, including venture capital, private equity, and corporate entities. The investors are headquartered in major financial hubs, such as Paris, Frankfurt, and London, with varying sizes from small firms to vast corporations with over 10,000 employees. Established between 1870 and 2010, these firms collectively recorded over 300 transactions in the aircraft leasing sector. This stratum of investors, including Deutsche Bank and BBA Aviation, reflects the robust interest and commitment to the aviation leasing landscape.


Top 12 Aircraft Leasing Investors in Europe


1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a public entity and financial institution based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. It supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing coaching and partnerships to help businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the aircraft industry, such as its investment in Elixir Aircraft, a leader in low-carbon light aircraft, where it participated in a funding round totaling €40 million. Additionally, Bpifrance was part of the acquisition of Sabena technics, a company with significant revenue in the aviation sector, indicating its strategic interest in enhancing growth opportunities within the aircraft leasing context.


2. BBA Aviation plc

  • Website: bbaaviation.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1879
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: bba-aviation-plc

BBA Aviation plc, based in London, England, is a corporate investor specializing in private aviation services through its subsidiary Signature Aviation. Founded in 1879, the company has a long history in the aviation industry. Signature Aviation operates a network of private aviation terminals globally, providing maintenance, fuel services, and loyalty programs for aviation customers. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Landmark Aviation for approximately $2.065 billion, which expanded their global flight support network by adding 68 FBO locations. Additionally, they acquired a majority stake in Starlink Aviation's FBO in Montréal, further solidifying their presence in the aviation services market. BBA Aviation also co-led a funding round for Victor, a private jet charter marketplace, which aims to create a digitally-driven ecosystem for general aviation operators. These activities highlight BBA Aviation's strategic focus on enhancing its aviation service offerings, making it a significant player in the aircraft leasing and aviation support sectors.


3. Deutsche Bank

  • Website: db.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1870
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: deutsche-bank

Deutsche Bank AG is a prominent investment bank and financial services provider founded in 1870, headquartered in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany. The bank offers a wide range of solutions, including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. It serves corporate and institutional clients, helping them manage their financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. Notably, Deutsche Bank has been involved in several significant debt financing transactions within the aircraft leasing sector, including a $500 million debt financing for Avolon Holdings in March 2014, $500 million for Wings Capital Partners in June 2018, and $85 million for Waypoint Leasing Services in March 2015. These transactions highlight Deutsche Bank's active role in supporting the aircraft leasing industry, making it a relevant investor in this space.


4. Groupe Crédit Agricole

  • Website: credit-agricole.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Montrouge, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1894
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: credit-agricole

Groupe Crédit Agricole is a cooperative banking group based in Montrouge, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1894. It provides a comprehensive range of financial services, including banking, insurance, and investment management, catering to individual consumers, businesses, and organizations. The group emphasizes mutuality and social responsibility in its operations. Notably, Crédit Agricole has been involved in several significant transactions within the aircraft leasing sector, including a $500 million debt financing for Avolon Holdings in 2014, a $500 million debt financing for Wings Capital Partners in 2018, and participation in a secured portfolio financing facility for CDB Aviation, which raised $700 million in 2018. These transactions highlight Crédit Agricole's active role in supporting the aircraft leasing industry through substantial financial commitments.


5. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a leading investment firm founded in 2005, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately €193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has been involved in key transactions within the aircraft leasing sector, such as its equity commitment of $750 million to Avolon Holdings, which raised a total of $1.4 billion in initial capital. This investment highlights CVC's active role in the aircraft leasing market. Furthermore, CVC's acquisition of Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing for $1.365 billion underscores its commitment to the aerospace industry, as Ontic specializes in aerospace parts manufacturing. CVC's recent acquisition of CTC Moyson Airport Equipment also indicates its interest in companies that support the aviation sector, further solidifying its position as a relevant player in the aircraft leasing and aerospace industries.


6. Avia Solutions Group

  • Website: aviasg.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: avia-solutions-group-ab

Avia Solutions Group is a prominent aviation services provider based in Dublin, Ireland, founded in 2010. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance), aircraft leasing, aviation consulting, and training. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 professionals, Avia Solutions Group serves airlines and aviation businesses globally, emphasizing efficiency and customer satisfaction. Notably, the company has made significant acquisitions to enhance its position in the aircraft leasing market. In June 2023, they acquired AirExplore, a Slovakian ACMI/charter carrier, which is expected to bolster their market presence. Additionally, in July 2023, they acquired Synergy Aviation, a UK-based private aircraft charter and management company, further expanding their operations in the aircraft leasing sector. These strategic moves reflect Avia Solutions Group's commitment to growing its aircraft leasing capabilities and its overall influence in the aviation industry.


7. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. In 2024 alone, the EIC has made 57 investments, showcasing its commitment to fostering innovation. Notably, the EIC has participated in significant funding rounds for companies in the aerospace sector, such as Heart Aerospace, which raised $107 million in Series B funding to develop a hybrid-electric aircraft, and Maeve Aerospace, which received €2.5 million for its full-electric regional airliner project. These transactions highlight the EIC's role in supporting the development of cutting-edge aviation technologies, which could eventually intersect with the aircraft leasing market as these innovations come to fruition.


8. Ldc

  • Website: ldc.co.uk
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (Holdings) Limited, commonly known as LDC, is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. The firm aims to help management teams achieve their growth ambitions through investment and advisory services, fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notably, LDC has made several acquisitions in the aviation sector, including PDG Helicopters in 2015, which operates in the helicopter leasing and services market, and Airline Services Interiors in 2012, which provides aircraft interior services. These transactions highlight LDC's involvement in the aviation industry, indicating its potential relevance to aircraft leasing.


9. STAR Capital Partnership LLP

  • Website: star-capital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: star-capital.com

STAR Capital Partnership LLP is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in strategic asset-based investments across Western Europe, managing capital from institutional investors. STAR Capital focuses on sectors such as transport, utilities, and healthcare, partnering with management teams to enhance shareholder value and ensure long-term growth. Notably, STAR Capital has made significant investments in the aviation sector, including the acquisition of ASL Aviation Holdings in 2019 for over €200 million, which expanded ASL's services and market reach. Additionally, their acquisition of SR Technics in 2002 for approximately $663 million highlights their commitment to the aviation industry, as SR Technics is a key player in aircraft maintenance and repair. These transactions underscore STAR Capital's strategic interest in the aircraft leasing and aviation market, making them a relevant investor in this space.


10. Tikehau Capital


Tikehau Capital is an investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in alternative asset management. Founded in 2004, the firm offers a diverse range of services including private debt, private equity, real assets, and capital markets strategies. Tikehau Capital serves a variety of clients, including institutional and private investors, as well as SMEs seeking tailored financing solutions to support growth and sustainability initiatives. Notably, Tikehau has been involved in several transactions relevant to the aerospace sector, such as the acquisition of Sabena Technics, a company specializing in aeronautical maintenance, and Groupe ROSSI AERO, which is also linked to the aerospace industry. These transactions highlight Tikehau's engagement in the aerospace field, although they do not specifically focus on aircraft leasing.


11. Crédit Mutuel Equity


Crédit Mutuel Equity is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1988. The firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses across various sectors, integrating economic and ESG considerations into their investment strategies. In recent years, they have been involved in several transactions, including a notable investment in Axialease, which raised $5,181,747 in a private equity round in January 2020, indicating their engagement in the leasing sector. Additionally, they invested in Occarent, a company specializing in leasing equipment to professional clients, which completed its first funding round with an undisclosed amount from Crédit Mutuel Equity in June 2021. These transactions suggest that while their primary focus may not be solely on aircraft leasing, they do have relevant interests in the leasing industry.


12. Crédit Agricole CIB

  • Website: ca-cib.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Montrouge, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: credit-agricole-cib

Crédit Agricole CIB is an investment bank based in Montrouge, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2004. It offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including structured finance, investment banking, and capital markets solutions, catering to corporate clients and financial institutions. With a global presence, Crédit Agricole CIB assists clients in navigating complex financial landscapes. Notably, they have been involved in significant debt financing transactions, including a $100 million debt financing for Aircastle, a prominent aircraft leasing company, which highlights their engagement in the aviation sector. Additionally, their participation in various debt financing deals, such as those with Amergin Asset Management and Global Ship Lease, showcases their broad investment strategy and capability to support diverse industries, including aircraft leasing.



Aircraft Leasing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
BBA Aviation plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)5001-1000018791
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
Groupe Crédit AgricoleMontrouge, Île-De-France, France10001+189418
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
Avia Solutions GroupDublin, Dublin, Ireland10001+20101
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
STAR Capital Partnership LLPLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5019994
Tikehau CapitalParis, Île-De-France, France501-100020046
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
Crédit Agricole CIBMontrouge, Île-De-France, France5001-10000200417


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