La Caisse, a global investment group, and SMBC Aviation Capital, a world leader in aircraft financing, announced on September 3, 2026 the major expansion of Maple Aircraft Company Holdings (MACH), their joint aircraft financing and leasing platform. Launched in 2024, the platform will double in size to USD 3 billion after fully deploying its initial USD 1.5 billion commitment ahead of schedule, with its investment period now extended through December 2029.
A Milestone Reached Ahead of Schedule
In under two years of operation, MACH has proven its ability to identify and capture attractive opportunities in the global aircraft leasing market. The full deployment of its initial USD 1.5 billion commitment, achieved before its target date, convinced both partners to scale up their shared ambitions. With a total capacity now set at USD 3 billion and an investment horizon extended to December 2029, MACH is positioned to significantly reinforce its standing in a rapidly growing market.
This expansion will strengthen the platform's ability to offer airlines flexible financing solutions for modern, next-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft. Against a backdrop of sustained global air traffic recovery and mounting pressure on carriers to modernize their fleets, demand for this type of flexible aircraft financing remains structurally high and continues to grow.
21 Aircraft Leased to 13 Airlines Across Ten Markets
Since its founding in 2024, MACH has assembled a solid portfolio of 21 aircraft leased to 13 airlines across ten markets worldwide. All aircraft in the portfolio are next-generation models, meeting the growing demand from carriers for more fuel-efficient fleets as the aviation sector faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint.
SMBC Aviation Capital will continue to be responsible for identifying new business opportunities and managing MACH's day-to-day operations. One of the world's leading aviation financing platforms, SMBC Aviation Capital manages a fleet of over 1,750 aircraft on behalf of more than 170 airlines worldwide, with 80% of its portfolio (by net book value) composed of new-technology aircraft. The company is rated A- by S&P and BBB+ by Fitch, underpinned by the financial strength of its shareholders: Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, and Sumitomo Corporation.
Partners on the Expansion
"The successful deployment of MACH demonstrates the strength of our partnership with La Caisse and the strong demand for flexible aircraft financing solutions. Expanding this platform alongside La Caisse, our trusted partner, allows us to build on this momentum and continue supporting airlines worldwide with access to modern, fuel-efficient and highly sought-after aircraft." – Barry Flannery, Chief Commercial Officer, SMBC Aviation Capital
Martin Longchamps, First Vice-President and Head of Private Equity and Private Credit at La Caisse, emphasized the strategic rationale behind the partnership and its expansion.
"The strong results achieved by MACH since 2024 demonstrate the value of bringing together specialized aviation expertise, strong industry relationships, and patient capital. Supported by favorable long-term market dynamics and growing demand for flexible financing solutions, MACH is well positioned to grow its portfolio and capture attractive opportunities in the aircraft leasing market." – Martin Longchamps, First VP and Head, Private Equity and Private Credit, La Caisse
La Caisse: A Global Institutional Investor
La Caisse has been investing for more than 60 years with a dual mandate: to generate optimal long-term returns for its 48 depositors, representing over 6 million Quebecers, while contributing to Quebec's economic development. As of June 30, 2026, its net assets stood at CAD 552 billion. Active across major financial markets, private equity, infrastructure, real estate, and private credit, La Caisse ranks among the most influential investment groups in the world.
The investment in MACH reflects La Caisse's long-term asset diversification strategy, centered on industries with strong structural tailwinds. Commercial aviation, driven by rising global demand and a sector-wide transition to greener, more efficient fleets, offers particularly compelling investment conditions for institutions with a patient capital mandate and a long-term investment horizon.
A Positive Signal for the Aerospace Industry
The expansion of MACH highlights Quebec's growing role in global aerospace financing. By partnering with SMBC Aviation Capital, one of the sector's most respected institutions, La Caisse places Quebec at the heart of the transactions shaping the future of the world's airline fleet. This strengthened presence in next-generation aircraft financing reinforces the international reputation of Quebec's financial expertise and institutional investment community.
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