La Caisse, SMBC Aviation Capital Expand Aircraft Leasing Platform to US$3B
Canadian pension fund manager La Caisse and SMBC Aviation Capital have doubled the size of Maple Aircraft Company Holdings (MACH), their joint aircraft financing and leasing platform, from US$1.5 billion to US$3 billion, according to a release Thursday.
The expansion, announced September 3, follows the full deployment of MACH's initial capital commitment ahead of the original timeline. Launched in 2024, the platform has assembled a portfolio of 21 aircraft leased to 13 airline customers across 10 markets, focusing on new-technology, fuel-efficient models. The investment period now extends through December 2029.
SMBC Aviation Capital, which services a fleet of more than 1,750 aircraft with over 170 airlines globally, will continue to source transactions for MACH and act as servicer.
Demand for flexible financing
"The successful deployment of MACH demonstrates the strength of our partnership with La Caisse and the continuing demand for flexible aircraft financing solutions," Barry Flannery, chief commercial officer of SMBC Aviation Capital, said.
Expanding the platform positions the partners to support airline customers seeking access to the fuel-efficient aircraft types currently most in demand, he added.
Martin Longchamps, executive vice-president and head of private equity and private credit at La Caisse, pointed to the combination of specialized aviation expertise, deep industry relationships and patient long-term capital as a driver of MACH's early results.
"With favourable long-term market dynamics and increasing demand for flexible financing solutions, MACH is well-positioned to expand its portfolio and capitalize on attractive opportunities across the aviation leasing market," he said.
Today, La Caisse and SMBC Aviation Capital announced they doubled the size of their aircraft leasing platform, Maple Aircraft Company Holdings, to USD 3 billion:
La Caisse (formerly CDPQ), a global investment group, and SMBC Aviation Capital, the leading global aviation finance platform, announced today the expansion of Maple Aircraft Company Holdings Limited (MACH), their joint aircraft financing and leasing platform.
Following the full deployment of its initial USD 1.5‑billion commitment ahead of schedule, the platform will grow to USD 3 billion and extend its runway through December 2029, expanding its capacity to provide airlines with flexible financing solutions for modern, fuel-efficient new-technology aircraft. Since its launch in 2024, MACH has built a portfolio of 21 aircraft leased to 13 airline customers across 10 markets.
SMBC Aviation Capital will continue to source transactions for the platform and act as servicer.
“The successful deployment of MACH demonstrates the strength of our partnership with La Caisse and the continuing demand for flexible aircraft financing solutions,” said Barry Flannery, Chief Commercial Officer of SMBC Aviation Capital. “Expanding the platform with our trusted partner, La Caisse, positions us to build on this momentum and continue to support our airline customers worldwide with access to modern, fuel-efficient aircraft of the types that are most in demand.”
“MACH’s strong execution since 2024 demonstrates the value of bringing together specialized aviation expertise, deep industry relationships and patient long-term capital,” said Martin Longchamps, Executive Vice-President and Head of Private Equity and Private Credit at La Caisse. “With favourable long-term market dynamics and increasing demand for flexible financing solutions, MACH is well-positioned to expand its portfolio and capitalize on attractive opportunities across the aviation leasing market.”
ABOUT SMBC AVIATION CAPITAL
SMBC Aviation Capital is the leading global aviation finance platform, servicing a fleet of over 1,750 aircraft with more than 170 airlines globally. Benefiting from the strong support of its shareholders, Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital has a high-quality global airline customer base with an owned portfolio comprising 80% new technology aircraft (by net book value). SMBC Aviation Capital has a strong capital position and holds an A- and BBB+ rating with S&P and Fitch respectively, reflecting the long-term strength of its business. For more information, please visit: www.smbc.aero.
ABOUT LA CAISSE
La Caisse has invested for over 60 years with a dual mandate: generate optimal long-term returns for its 48 depositors, who represent over 6 million Quebecers, and contribute to Québec’s economic development.
As a global investment group, La Caisse is active in the major financial markets, private equity, infrastructure, real estate and private credit. As at June 30, 2026, it held CAD 552 billion in net assets. For more information, visit LaCaisse.com, LinkedIn or Instagram.
La Caisse is a registered trademark of Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec that is protected in Canada and other jurisdictions and licensed for use by its subsidiaries.
Go back to read my comment on why La Caisse (formerly known as CDPQ) partnered up with SMBC Aviation back in early 2024 to finance a US$1.5 billion aircraft leasing platform (read my comment here).
Clearly, this platform has taken off in a big way, and that is why La Caisse decided to double its initial capital commitment to Maple Aircraft Company Holdings (MACH), their joint aircraft financing and leasing platform, from US$1.5 billion to US$3 billion.
SMBC Aviation Capital headed by CEO Peter Barrett (featured at the top of this post), is a very impressive company that services a dynamic sector of aircraft leasing in the aviation industry.
I recommend you read its 2025 Annual Report here and see the main highlights below and the CEO review starting on page 8 of the report:
Barry Flannery, Chief Commercial Officer of SMBC Aviation Capital explains why this partnership is working well:
"The successful deployment of MACH demonstrates the strength of our partnership with La Caisse and the continuing demand for flexible aircraft financing solutions. Expanding the platform with our trusted partner, La Caisse, positions us to build on this momentum and continue to support our airline customers worldwide with access to modern, fuel-efficient aircraft of the types that are most in demand.”
Martin Longchamps, Executive Vice-President and Head of Private Equity and Private Credit at La Caisse, also sums it up well in the press release:
"MACH’s strong execution since 2024 demonstrates the value of bringing together specialized aviation expertise, deep industry relationships and patient long-term capital. With favourable long-term market dynamics and increasing demand for flexible financing solutions, MACH is well-positioned to expand its portfolio and capitalize on attractive opportunities across the aviation leasing market."
Below is a corporate video explaining SMBC Aviation's operations (2024). Very impressive company and a leasing platform that is growing fast with La Caisse and other strategic partners by its side.
Also, James Kelly, Head of Aviation Finance at KPMG, recently sat down with Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation, to discuss recent trends in the industry. Great interview; take the time to listen to Barrett's comments.
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