Global investment firm KKR is putting $1 billion into a new partnership with Altavair AirFinance, a specialist commercial aviation finance company to create a global portfolio of leased commercial aircraft.
Seattle-headquartered Altavair will be KKR’s partner for aircraft leasing investments and KKR will also acquire a 50% interest in Altavair as part of the long-term partnership.
KKR’s initial investment will go towards the acquisition of six cargo aircraft on long-term lease with a diverse group of airline counterparties.
Dan Pietrzak, member of KKR (pictured), said: “Since our first investment in aircraft in 2015, we’ve recognized the increasing demand for both passenger and freighter aircraft.
“The decades-long proven track record that Altavair brings to this partnership is impressive and it is exactly the kind of company we were looking for when we sought out continued investment in aviation.”
Altavair was launched in 2003 and its management team have executed multiple commercial aviation leasing and finance strategies on behalf of a broad range of domestic and international institutional, insurance and private investors.
The lender has completed more than $8 billion in commercial aircraft lease transactions with over 40 airline customers in 27 countries, involving 200 individual Boeing and Airbus aircraft.
Altavair CEO Steve Rimmer said: “We are extremely happy to have found a partner in KKR that shares our vision for investing in the aircraft leasing and financing sector.
“The tremendous support and expertise offered by KKR alongside its exceptional global investor base will allow Altavair to fully participate in this growing market and provide a solid foundation for Altavair’s future growth and success.”