Dublin-headquartered Airborne Capital has announced the first aircraft deliveries for MACH OE, a new open-ended aircraft investment fund established in partnership with Japan’s Mercuria Investment Co. and Mercuria Holdings Co..
The fund recently took delivery of two new Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, which have been placed on long-term lease with United Airlines. The aircraft were delivered on 29 and 30 July and represent the first assets acquired by the fund as it begins building its portfolio.
MACH OE was launched earlier this year by Airborne Capital and Mercuria Investment, with the Development Bank of Japan participating as an anchor investor in the fund’s first closing in April. The partners have also established a strategic alliance with Daiwa JPI Alternative Investments, part of the Daiwa Securities Group, to support the fund’s future growth and investor outreach.
According to the companies, MACH OE is the first open-ended aircraft fund of its kind established by a Japan-based asset manager and is targeting aircraft assets with a value exceeding US$1 billion. The fund expects to attract investment from pension funds, financial institutions, corporations and educational institutions.
Commenting on the deliveries, Toshihiro Toyoshima, Representative Director of Mercuria Investment, said the Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft were ideal assets with which to launch the fund and highlighted growing investor interest in aviation assets supported by long-term economic demand.
Ramki Sundaram, CEO of Airborne Capital, said the company was pleased to work with Mercuria on sourcing and structuring the initial aircraft acquisitions and confirmed that further fundraising and aircraft acquisitions are already underway as the fund expands.
The transaction highlights Ireland’s continuing importance as a global hub for aircraft leasing and aviation finance, with Airborne Capital joining a growing number of Irish aviation companies managing capital from international investors seeking exposure to commercial aircraft assets.
