Dublin-based aircraft lessor Avolon Holdings has raised US$1 billion in a new unsecured dual-tranche bank facility with a syndicate of six banks in the Middle East.

The facility will contain a conventional and an Islamic tranche, with a four-year tenor.

The transaction builds on the US$750 million credit facility Avolon raised in June 2024, which had significant Middle East bank participation, and establishes relationships with five new banks in the region.  

Emirates NBD Capital Limited acted as coordinator, initial mandated lead arranger, and bookrunner on the transaction alongside Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC and Warba Bank KSCP as initial mandated lead arrangers and bookrunners.

Combined with the US$1.1 billion senior unsecured facility announced on April 29, Avolon has raised US$2.1 billion in new unsecured facilities in the second quarter of the year.

“This facility further expands our banking relationships in the Middle East, consistent with our strategy of diversifying our sources of capital,” says Avolon chief financial officer Ross O’Connor. “It demonstrates the strong appetite in the region for high-quality aviation lending opportunities, with Avolon’s positive financial trajectory and successful growth strategy ensuring the transaction was well supported.”

Avolon is owned 70% by Shenzhen Stock Exchange-listed Bohai Leasing ( part of the HNA Group ) and 30% by Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed ORIX Corporation.

Photo: An Airbus A320 NEO aircraft ( Avolon )