Dublin-headquartered SMBC Aviation Capital has reported another year of strong financial and operational performance as it celebrates its 25th anniversary, with the aircraft lessor highlighting record trading activity, continued fleet modernisation and a major acquisition that significantly expands its global reach.
In its 2026 Annual Report & Executive Review, SMBC Aviation Capital described the period as one of the most significant in the company’s history, underpinned by strong demand for aircraft leasing, robust profitability and the completion of the acquisition of Sumisho Air Lease Corporation in April 2026.
The Dublin-based lessor reported profit before tax of $707 million, while lease revenue increased to $1.97 billion. During the financial year ended 31st March 2026, the company delivered 59 aircraft worth $3.4 billion, signed a further $3.3 billion in new leasing agreements, and completed aircraft sales totalling $2.6 billion, representing a record year for trading activity.
Chief Executive Officer Peter Barrett described the year as a landmark for the business. “FY2025 was one of the most significant years in SMBC Aviation Capital’s 25-year history. We delivered strong underlying profit growth, capitalised on robust leasing and trading demand and continued to build one of the highest-quality portfolios in the sector.”
Expansion creates one of aviation’s largest platforms
A central theme of the annual report is the company’s continued growth in scale and capability. The acquisition of Sumisho Air Lease Corporation, completed shortly after the reporting period, creates a combined platform with approximately 1,700 owned, managed and committed aircraft, more than 170 airline customers, and assets valued at around $89 billion.
The transaction also adds a substantial orderbook of new-generation aircraft, with the combined group holding commitments for approximately 430 aircraft valued at $26 billion, around 90 per cent of which are already placed through the first quarter of 2028.
New technology aircraft now account for 80 per cent of SMBC Aviation Capital’s owned fleet, reflecting the company’s strategy of investing in fuel-efficient aircraft sought by airlines seeking to reduce operating costs and emissions.
Strong Irish connection
The annual report underlines the company’s deep roots in Ireland, where it remains one of the country’s most prominent aviation finance businesses. In 2024, SMBC Aviation Capital relocated to its new headquarters at Fitzwilliam 28 in Dublin, while continuing its partnership with Trinity College Dublin’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Research Facility.
The lessor also highlighted its community initiatives in Ireland, including its annual Difference Day, which saw more than 350 employees support schools in Ballyfermot, Dublin, during 2026.
Looking ahead
Chairman Ko Tanaka, writing in his first annual report as chairman, said the company is entering “its next chapter” from a position of strength, supported by long-term shareholder backing from Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Sumitomo Corporation.
Despite geopolitical and economic challenges facing airlines globally, the company remains positive about long-term demand for air travel and the need for modern, efficient aircraft.
As it celebrates a quarter-century in business, SMBC Aviation Capital is positioning itself not only as a major aircraft lessor, but as what it describes as the “leading global aviation platform”, with the scale, capital strength and orderbook to play a significant role in shaping the industry’s future.
In the video below, SMBC Aviation Capital Chief Financial Officer Aisling Kenny, discusses the company’s 2026 Annual Report and reflects on the business’s 25-year journey.
