Aviation Capital Group Acquires 24-Aircraft Portfolio from Avolon

This article is based on an official press release from Aviation Capital Group (ACG).

Aviation Capital Group Acquires 24-Aircraft Portfolio from Avolon in Major Fleet Expansion

Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG) announced on February 19, 2026, that it has signed definitive agreements to acquire a portfolio of 24 Commercial-Aircraft from Avolon. This transaction represents a significant expansion for ACG and marks the second major portfolio trade between the two global lessors in less than 12 months.

According to the company’s announcement, the acquisition aligns with ACG’s strategy to scale its operations and modernize its fleet profile. The portfolio consists predominantly of new-technology aircraft, which are currently in high demand across the aviation sector due to ongoing production delays at major Manufacturers.

The deal underscores the growing trend of lessor-to-lessor trading as a primary mechanism for fleet management in the current market environment. By acquiring assets with existing leases, ACG secures immediate revenue generation while Avolon continues its capital recycling program following recent large-scale Investments.

Transaction Overview and Fleet Composition

The portfolio acquired by ACG is diverse, comprising both narrowbody and widebody assets. According to the press release and transaction details released by the companies, the 24-aircraft package includes:

• 18 Narrowbody Aircraft: 12 of these are classified as “New Technology” models.
• 6 Widebody Aircraft: All six are “New Technology” models.

Data provided regarding the portfolio’s status as of February 1, 2026, indicates that the fleet has an average age of approximately 4.5 years and a weighted average remaining lease term of roughly 8.9 years. The aircraft are currently on lease to 17 different Airlines spread across 16 countries. ACG noted that this transaction will introduce four new airline customers to its client roster.

Thomas Baker, CEO and President of ACG, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition in a statement:

“Proactive aircraft trading is an important pillar of our growth Strategy… It also enhances the sustainability of our fleet, already among the youngest in the industry.”

, Thomas Baker, CEO of ACG

Strategic Rationale for Avolon

For the seller, Avolon, this divestment appears to be a calculated move to manage liquidity and rebalance its portfolio. This sale follows Avolon’s significant acquisition of Castlelake Aviation, which closed in January 2026 and involved the purchase of 118 aircraft. By selling this 24-aircraft tranche to ACG, Avolon effectively recycles capital to maintain a robust balance sheet.

Ross O’Connor, CFO of Avolon, commented on the demand for aircraft assets in the current market:

“The transaction builds on our record trading performance in 2025, reflecting the continuing strong demand we are seeing for our assets.”

, Ross O’Connor, CFO of Avolon

AirPro News Analysis: The Secondary Market Boom

We observe that the secondary market for commercial aircraft has become increasingly active in early 2026. With original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Airbus and Boeing facing persistent supply chain constraints, lessors are turning to one another to meet growth targets.

This “trading between giants” allows firms like ACG to bypass long delivery wait times and instantly add young, revenue-generating assets to their books. Conversely, it allows sellers like Avolon to monetize assets at premium values driven by the industry-wide shortage of airworthy lift. The fact that ACG and Avolon executed a similar 20-aircraft deal in 2025 suggests a deepening trading relationship between the two firms, facilitating efficient capital deployment for both parties.

Timeline of the Partnership

This transaction is the latest in a series of dealings between ACG and Avolon. The relationship has accelerated over the last year:

• April 2025: ACG agreed to acquire 20 aircraft (16 narrowbody, 4 widebody) from Avolon.
• July 2025: The transfer of aircraft from the 2025 agreement commenced.
• January 2026: Avolon closed its acquisition of Castlelake Aviation, adding 118 aircraft to its managed fleet.
• February 2026: ACG signs agreements for this new 24-aircraft portfolio.

Both companies appear well-capitalized to execute these transactions. Financial disclosures indicate that Avolon priced a $1.5 billion senior unsecured note offering in February 2026, while ACG closed a $1 billion note offering in January 2026.

Sources

• Aviation Capital Group Press Release
• Avolon Corporate News