Author: anne-marie

San Francisco, California – May 29, 2025 – SKY Leasing (“SKY”), a leading aviation investment manager, announced the closing of an issuance of $503 million of secured notes (the “Notes”) by SLAM 2025-1 Limited and SLAM 2025-1 LLC (“SLAM”). SLAM expects to use a portion of the proceeds of the Notes to acquire a portfolio of 19 Airbus and Boeing aircraft valued at approximately $689 million. The portfolio features an average age of 5.3 years and a weighted average lease term of 7.2 years, with a significant focus on narrowbody aircraft (88%) and next generation aircraft (65%). SKY will act as servicer for SLAM’s aircraft portfolio.

The offering consisted of one series of Notes: $503 million Series A Notes with an interest rate of 5.807%. The Series A Notes have an initial loan-to-value (“LTV”) of 73.0% and were rated A2 (sf) by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) and A (sf) by Kroll Bond Rating Agency (“KBRA”). The Series A Notes have an initial expected maturity of 7 years and an initial expected weighted average life of 5.2 years based on the pricing case cash flow model. Affiliates of SKY acquired the E Certificates of SLAM.

“This transaction reflects SKY’s continued leadership in structuring innovative, investor-aligned aviation finance solutions,” said Matthew Crawford, Co-Chief Investment Officer at SKY. “The bespoke nature of this deal — combining a carefully curated portfolio with a robust capital structure — demonstrates our ability to deliver differentiated value. The strong investor response, with 3.6x final subscription levels, reinforces the market’s confidence in our platform and our disciplined approach to asset selection and risk management.”

SKY expects to refinance its existing warehouse debt financing facility with proceeds from the SLAM 2025-1 transaction.

MUFG, Citi, and BNP Paribas acted as joint lead structuring agents and joint lead bookrunners. BofA Securities, Deutsche Bank Securities, Fifth Third Securities, Morgan Stanley, Natixis, PNC Capital Markets LLC, and Société Générale acted as joint bookrunners on the transaction. Société Générale is the liquidity facility provider. Vedder Price P.C. acted as legal counsel to SKY, and Milbank LLP acted as legal counsel to the initial purchasers.

The Notes have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and were offered only to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act and outside the United States to non-U.S. persons in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. This press release is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The Notes may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under the Securities Act or pursuant to an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

This press release shall not constitute an offer of the Notes to the public in any member state of the European Economic Area.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes, nor will there be any sale of the Notes in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

About SKY Leasing

SKY Leasing (“SKY”) is an alternative investment manager dedicated to providing asset-focused capital solutions to airlines globally. With a global presence across five offices in San Francisco, Dublin, New York, Miami, and Singapore, SKY leverages a 30-year history of global aviation relationships, technical asset management expertise, and a disciplined investment framework, to originate unique investment opportunities with an emphasis on seeking downside protection and stable cash flow. The company’s fund management business was founded in 2019 with a minority investment from M&G Investments. As of March 2025, the company manages over $5 billion of aviation assets. For more information about SKY, visit www.skyleasing.com.

San Francisco and New York – May 5, 2025 – SKY Leasing (“SKY”), a leading aviation investment manager, and JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ: JBLU) today announced that SKY has acquired JetBlue Ventures, JetBlue’s venture capital subsidiary. This transaction will usher in the next era of growth for JetBlue Ventures, with expanded opportunities to support founders and scale game-changing technologies by leveraging SKY’s deep industry relationships, global reach, and access to capital. JetBlue will continue to serve as a strategic partner to JetBlue Ventures and its portfolio companies.

“We are thrilled to welcome JetBlue Ventures into the SKY family,” said Matthew Crawford, Co-Chief Investment Officer at SKY. “Through our aviation partnerships around the world, we are witnessing firsthand the rapid advancements and innovations in the travel industry, and as a long-term partner to JetBlue, we have consistently admired JetBlue Ventures’ track record of nurturing these groundbreaking technologies. This transaction is a natural evolution of our partnership and will provide us, our investors, and our global aviation partners with direct access to the cutting-edge innovations and technologies shaping the future of travel.”

“We founded JetBlue Ventures to invest in, incubate, and partner with early-stage startups that would shape the future of travel, and by all measures it’s been an incredible success,” said Joanna Geraghty, chief executive officer, JetBlue. “As we look at the needs of our airline today, we are fully focused on our JetForward strategy to get JetBlue back to profitability and set us up for long-term success as we compete against the legacy carriers. This transaction enables us to focus on our core airline operations, while maintaining our access to the innovations and opportunities of current and future portfolio companies through our ongoing strategic partnership with JetBlue Ventures.”

Since its founding in 2016, JetBlue Ventures has invested in 55 early-stage startups and made over 40 follow-on investments, resulting in eight exits in the form of acquisitions and public offerings. The JetBlue Ventures team, which will continue to be led by Amy Burr, will remain focused on investing in emerging enterprise technology and frontier tech solutions across the travel and transportation ecosystem.

JetBlue Ventures will continue to manage all current and future investments, with JetBlue continuing to hold positions in all existing portfolio companies. The JetBlue Ventures brand will remain as part of a brand licensing agreement with JetBlue. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Advisors

Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel for SKY, Cooley LLP served as legal counsel for JetBlue, and DJL Corporate Law, PC served as legal counsel for JetBlue Ventures.

About SKY Leasing

SKY Leasing (“SKY”) is an alternative investment manager dedicated to providing asset-focused capital solutions to airlines globally. With a global presence across five offices in San Francisco, Dublin, New York, Miami, and Singapore, SKY leverages a 30-year history of global aviation relationships, technical asset management expertise, and a disciplined investment framework, to originate unique investment opportunities with an emphasis on seeking downside protection and stable cash flow. The company’s fund management business was founded in 2019 with a minority investment from M&G Investments. As of March 2025, the company manages over $5 billion of aviation assets. For more information about SKY Leasing, visit www.skyleasing.com.

About JetBlue Ventures

JetBlue Ventures (JBV) is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on companies redefining the travel and transportation landscape, with an emphasis on enterprise and frontier technologies. Founded in 2016 as JetBlue’s corporate venture capital arm, JBV is now part of SKY Leasing, a premier aviation asset manager. Based in San Francisco, the firm has made over 50 investments across the travel, hospitality, and transportation industries. Learn more at www.JetBlueVentures.com.

Contacts

SKY Leasing

Anne Marie Scaramuzza

amscaramuzza@skyleasing.com

JetBlue Ventures

Anna Shimoda

anna@jetblueventures.com

SAN FRANCISCO, California – April 22, 2025 – SKY Leasing LLC (“SKY Leasing” or “SKY”), a leading alternative investment manager with extensive experience in aviation investments, is proud to announce the final close of its flagship fund, SKY Fund VI, L.P. (together with its parallel fund, “SFVI” or the Fund”). The Fund closed significantly above its target with over $1.35 billion in capital commitments, reflecting strong support from both existing and new investors, including global insurance companies, sovereigns, pension funds, endowments, foundations, and family offices. 

SKY Leasing’s specialized expertise, long-standing relationships, and multi-decade track record in the aviation sector have been pivotal in attracting significant investor interest. The Fund continues SKY Leasing’s successful investment program, focusing on providing innovative capital solutions to airlines primarily through the sale-leaseback of new and current technology aircraft.

“The capital raised for SFVI is a testament to the strong institutional investor demand for SKY’s unique approach to origination and portfolio construction. Our global airline partners increasingly seek capital to transition their fleets from current to new technology aircraft” said Austin Wiley, Chief Executive Officer of SKY Leasing.

To date, SFVI has committed over $600M of capital to acquire a fleet of 62 aircraft. SFVI, and its predecessor flagship funds, have been consistent in focusing on opportunities that generate attractive risk adjusted returns with strategically important airlines across the globe. This seasoned approach enables SKY Leasing to act as a key partner to aviation industry participants, creating value in complex situations.

Eaton Partners acted as the exclusive global placement agent for the Fund and Kirkland & Ellis LP acted as legal counsel for the Fund.

About SKY Leasing

SKY is an alternative investment manager dedicated to providing asset-focused capital solutions to airlines globally. With a global presence across five offices in San Francisco, Dublin, New York, Miami, and Singapore, SKY leverages a 30-year history of global aviation relationships, technical asset management expertise, and a disciplined investment framework, to originate unique investment opportunities with an emphasis on seeking downside protection and stable cash flow. The company’s fund management business was founded in 2019 with a minority investment from M&G Investments. As of March 2025, the company manages over $5 billion of aviation assets. For more information about SKY Leasing, visit www.skyleasing.com.

San Francisco, California–September 26, 2024 – SKY Leasing (“SKY”), a leading aviation investment manager, announced the closing of an issuance of $569.540 million of secured notes (the “Notes”) by SLAM 2024-1 Limited and SLAM 2024-1 LLC (“SLAM”). SLAM expects to use a portion of the proceeds of the Notes to acquire a portfolio of 22 Airbus and Boeing aircraft valued at approximately $825 million. The portfolio features an average age of 4.8 years and a weighted average lease term of 7.3 years, with a significant focus on narrowbody aircraft (88%) and next generation aircraft (70%). SKY will act as servicer for SLAM’s aircraft portfolio.

The offering consisted of one series of Notes: $569.540 million Series A Notes with an interest rate of 5.335%. The Series A Notes have an initial loan-to-value (“LTV”) of 69.0% and were rated A2 by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) and A (sf) by Kroll Bond Rating Agency (“KBRA”). The Series A Notes have an initial expected maturity of 7 years and an initial expected weighted average life of 5.25 years based on the pricing case cash flow model. Affiliates of SKY acquired the E Certificates of SLAM.

“We are thrilled that the SLAM portfolio attracted a diverse, global group of investors, resulting in 2 x oversubscription. This broad distribution validates our ability to construct attractive portfolios with thoughtful structuring for our debt partners,” said Matthew Crawford, Co-Chief Investment Officer at SKY. “The success of this transaction underscores SKY’s investment approach, enabling us to continue providing efficient capital solutions to our airline customers and delivering high-quality portfolios to our investment partners.”  

SKY expects to refinance its existing warehouse debt financing facility with proceeds from the SLAM transaction.

MUFG and Deutsche Bank acted as joint lead structuring agents and joint lead bookrunners, BofA Securities acted as joint structuring agent and joint lead bookrunner and BNP PARIBAS, Citigroup, Fifth Third Securities, Morgan Stanley, PNC Capital Markets LLC and SOCIETE GENERALEacted as joint bookrunners on the transaction.  Natixis is the liquidity facility provider for the transaction. Vedder Price P.C. acted as legal counsel to SKY and Milbank LLP acted as legal counsel to the initial purchasers.

The Notes have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and were offered only to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act and outside the United States to non-U.S. persons in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act.  This press release is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The Notes may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under the Securities Act or pursuant to an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

This press release shall not constitute an offer of the Notes to the public in any member state of the European Economic Area.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes, nor will there be any sale of the Notes in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

About SKY Leasing

SKY Leasing (“SKY”) is an alternative investment manager dedicated to providing asset-focused capital solutions to airlines globally. With a global presence across five offices in San Francisco, Dublin, New York, Miami, and Singapore, SKY leverages a 30-year history of global aviation relationships, technical asset management expertise, and a disciplined investment framework, to originate unique investment opportunities with an emphasis on downside protection and stable cash flow. As of September 2024, the company manages 111 aircraft and $5 billion of aviation assets. For more information about SKY Leasing, visit www.skyleasing.com.

2023 Operating Highlights

• Completed the acquisition of 49 aircraft adding 9 new airline customers to the portfolio

• Lease placement of (8) B737MAX8 aircraft with four airline customers across Europe and Latin America

• Raised $2 billion of bank debt across warehouse and term loan products increasing our bank group to 14 global aviation banks

• Increased institutional capital under management to $1.3B across all aviation managed funds

San Francisco, CA – January 22, 2024- SKY Leasing (“SKYâ€) is pleased to announce its’  2023 operating results highlighted by 57 transactions closed across sale and leasebacks, acquisitions, and lease placements during the period. SKY continues to find attractive investment opportunities increasing the closed and committed fleet to 87 aircraft, which is 77% next generation equipment with a weighted average age of 4.5 years and an average remaining lease term of 8.3 years.

The transactions were originated with nine airlines across all major regions building on the strength of SKY’s global customer network. These acquisitions are in line with SKY’s investment strategy of building a fleet of new and next-generation aircraft on long-term lease with leading global airlines. “2023 was a record year for SKY thanks to the long-term repeat relationships we have built with our airline customer base. Our disciplined investment approach along with our strong and diversified capital structure allowed us to adapt to our customers’ needs and provide tailored fleet solutions†said Austin Wiley Chief Executive Officer, Co-Chief Investment Officer of SKY Leasing.

In 2023, SKY successfully expanded its’ debt facilities and lender base by $2 billion, through the execution of new secured debt facilities and the upsizing of existing facilities. “We are thrilled with the tremendous support from our existing and new banking partners. Our ability to originate and structure high quality portfolios has been critical to our success†said Matthew Crawford, Co-Chief Investment Officer of SKY Leasing.

About SKY Leasing

SKY Leasing, LLC (“SKY Leasingâ€) is a premier aircraft leasing asset manager with offices in San Francisco, California, Dublin, Ireland, and Singapore. The company’s fund management business was founded in 2019, in partnership with M&G Investments. Since 2016, SKY Leasing has invested over $8 billion to acquire new and young mid-life aircraft. For more information about SKY Leasing, visit www.skyleasing.com.

For more information, please contact info@skyleasing.com

Our CEO, Austin Wiley, sat down with KPMG Ireland’s Head of Aviation, Joe O’Mara, to discuss how the engine situation has impacted airlines and lessors, and the evolution of aviation finance investors.

1H-2023, SKY Leasing Operating Highlights

• Closed the acquisition of, (2) A320NEO aircraft, (2) 787-9 aircraft (1) 737MAX8 aircraft, (2) B737-800, and (1) ATR72-600

• Agreed to acquire (2) A321NEO aircraft, (1) A320NEO aircraft, (1) 787-9 aircraft, (1) 737MAX8 aircraft, (2) B737-800, and (1) A320-200

• Executed LOI’s for the placement of (3) 737MAX8 aircraft

• SKY established five new airline relationships throughout 1H-2023, expanding its global network of airlines 

• Raised over $450 million of secured financing through a term loan facility with a group of four leading transportation banks

San Francisco, CA – July 12, 2023- SKY Leasing (“SKYâ€) is pleased to announce its’ first half 2023 results highlighted by 20 transactions closed across acquisitions and lease placements during the period. SKY continues to find attractive investment opportunities for Sky Fund V increasing the closed and committed fleet to 53 aircraft. The portfolio is comprised of 84% next generation equipment with a weighted average age of 3.7 years and an average remaining lease term of 8.5 years.

The transactions originated with 11 airlines across all major regions including North America Europe, and Latin America, building on the strength of SKY’s global customer network. These acquisitions are in line with SKY’s investment strategy of building a fleet of new and next-generation aircraft on long-term lease with leading global airlines. “In the 1^st half, we continued to see strong tailwinds from the passenger demand recovery. The tightening of aircraft supply and credit markets has enabled SKY to create value for our airline customers through the lease placement of B737MAX aircraft and efficient sale-leaseback solutions.†said Austin Wiley CEO of SKY Leasing.

In 1H-2023, SKY successfully expanded its’ debt facilities and lender base by $450 million, through the execution of a secured term loan collateralized by 14 aircraft on lease to 12 airlines. “We are pleased to execute on this successful portfolio financing. The transaction further validates the demand our investment strategy attracts from the lending community and the liquidity we have available for our investors and airline partners.†said Matthew Crawford, EVP, Head of Capital Markets of SKY Leasing.

About SKY Leasing

SKY Leasing, LLC (“SKY Leasingâ€) is a premier aircraft leasing asset manager with offices in San Francisco, California, Dublin, Ireland, and Singapore. The company’s fund management business was founded in 2019, in partnership with M&G Investments. Since 2016, SKY Leasing has invested over $7 billion to acquire new and young mid-life aircraft. For more information about SKY Leasing, visit www.skyleasing.com.

For more information, please contact info@skyleasing.com

San Francisco, CA- January 25, 2023- Sky Leasing LLC (“SKY Leasingâ€) a leading
alternative asset manager with extensive experience investing institutional capital in aviation,
today announced the final close of Sky Fund V, L.P. (“SFV or the Fundâ€). The Fund closed
oversubscribed with approximately $770 million in capital commitments with strong support
from existing and new investors that include global insurance companies, sovereigns, pension
funds, endowments, foundations, and family offices.

The Fund is a continuation of the investment program of SKY Leasing focused on providing
capital solutions to airlines seeking fleet modernization primarily through the sale-leaseback of
new aircraft deliveries. To date, SFV has committed over half of the capital raised to acquire a
fleet of 48 aircraft with an average age under three years.

“The capital raised for SFV is well positioned for the post-covid recovery period, which
continues to present attractive investment opportunities for new and young mid-life aircraftâ€
said Austin Wiley, Chief Executive Officer of SKY Leasing.

Eaton Partners acted as the exclusive global placement agent for the Fund.
About SKY Leasing

SKY Leasing, LLC (“SKY Leasingâ€) is a premier aircraft leasing asset manager with offices in
San Francisco, California, Dublin, Ireland, and Singapore. The company’s fund management
business was founded in 2019, in partnership with M&G Investments. Since 2016, SKY Leasing
has invested over $7 billion to acquire new and young mid-life aircraft. For more information
about SKY Leasing, visit www.skyleasing.com.

San Francisco, CA 6 October 2022 SKY Leasing (“SKYâ€), an aviation investment manager announced today that Sky Fund I, LP has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Sky Fund I Irish, Ltd. (“SKY Fund Iâ€) and its subsidiaries to Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (“DAEâ€).  The SKY Fund I portfolio is comprised of 36 owned and committed aircraft on lease to 14 airlines globally. The portfolio is more than 90% next generation technology aircraft.

“The strong demand for this portfolio is a validation of SKY’s strategy of providing capital to airlines to execute on their fleet replacement initiatives. We are pleased to sign an agreement that will recognize the value we have built up on behalf of our institutional investors. We remain committed to the growth of our business through future investment vehicles†said Austin Wiley, CEO of SKY Leasing.  

SKY Leasing was advised by Milbank and PWC.

About SKY Leasing

SKY Leasing (“SKYâ€) is a premier aircraft leasing asset manager with offices in San Francisco, California, Dublin, Ireland, and Singapore. The company’s fund management business was founded in 2019, in partnership with M&G Investments which acquired a stake in the business and invested $300 million of equity in its 2019 vintage fund. As of June 30, 2022, SKY Leasing manages a portfolio valued in excess of $3.5B and has over $750M of equity under management. For more information about SKY Leasing, visit www.skyleasing.com.