Macquarie Asset Management has announced the US$2.2 billion acquisition of an aircraft portfolio from ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Company K.S.C.P. (ALAFCO) by Macquarie AirFinance with the support of such companies as Macquarie Asset Management, PGGM Infrastructure Fund and Australian Retirement Trust (ART).

The purchase includes 53 current and next-generation commercial passenger aircraft and an order for 20 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The transaction will enable Macquarie AirFinance to further expand and diversify its fleet by improving its emissions profile, scale, average age, remaining lease term and order book size. The US$1.65 billion credit line is guaranteed by BNP Paribas, Citibank, MUFG Bank and Natixis.

The transaction was approved by ALAFCO's shareholders on December 27, 2022 and is expected to close in 2023 once normal closing conditions have been met.