Montreal and Dublin, September 3, 2026 — La Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) and SMBC Aviation Capital, two leading players in global aviation finance, today announced a major expansion of their joint aircraft leasing platform, Maple Aircraft Company Holdings Limited (MACH). Just two years after its founding, MACH is doubling its investment capacity from US$1.5 billion to US$3 billion, with the investment period extended through December 2029.
This announcement underscores the resilience and growth of the global aircraft leasing market, as well as the strength of the partnership between La Caisse, Quebec's leading pension investment manager with net assets of CA$552 billion, and SMBC Aviation Capital, one of the world's most significant aviation finance platforms. It also reaffirms Montreal's strategic role as a financial hub within the international aerospace industry.
Accelerated Deployment Reflects Strong Market Demand
Founded in 2024, MACH successfully deployed its entire initial US$1.5 billion commitment ahead of schedule — a pace of investment that reflects growing demand from airlines worldwide for flexible financing solutions that provide access to modern, fuel-efficient aircraft meeting the aviation sector's evolving environmental requirements.
To date, MACH's portfolio includes 21 next-generation aircraft leased to 13 airlines across ten distinct markets worldwide. These aircraft, recognized for their low fuel consumption, align fully with the industry's transition toward more sustainable aviation and enable carriers to simultaneously reduce both operating costs and carbon footprints.
A Defining Partnership for the Global Aviation Industry
SMBC Aviation Capital will continue to be responsible for identifying new business opportunities and the operational management of the platform. Managing a fleet of over 1,750 aircraft for more than 170 airlines worldwide, SMBC brings to MACH recognized expertise, a robust network of industry relationships, and deep knowledge of international aviation markets.
For its part, La Caisse contributes the patient capital essential to a long-term investment strategy. With net assets of CA$552 billion as of June 30, 2026, La Caisse has the financial strength required to support large-scale initiatives in strategic infrastructure sectors such as commercial aviation.
“The successful deployment of MACH is a testament to 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, enables us to build on this momentum and continue supporting airlines worldwide in accessing modern, fuel-efficient, and highly sought-after aircraft.” — Barry Flannery, Chief Commercial Officer, SMBC Aviation Capital
“The excellent results recorded by MACH since 2024 demonstrate the value of combining 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 expand its portfolio and capture attractive opportunities in the aircraft leasing market.” — Martin Longchamps, Executive Vice-President and Head of Private Equity and Private Credit, La Caisse
A Leasing Market in Full Expansion
The MACH announcement comes at a particularly favorable time for the global aircraft leasing market. Air travel demand continues to grow steadily, driven notably by the rise of middle classes in emerging markets across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. At the same time, aircraft manufacturers are facing extended delivery timelines, which further increases the appeal of leasing solutions for carriers looking to modernize their fleets quickly and flexibly.
In this context, leasing next-generation aircraft — such as the Boeing 737 MAX, Airbus A320neo, and other high-efficiency platforms — represents a strategic solution for airlines seeking to meet their decarbonization objectives without immobilizing significant capital in direct aircraft purchases.
Quebec's Strong Presence in Global Aerospace
For Quebec, MACH's expansion represents far more than a financial transaction. It confirms La Caisse's role as a leading institutional investor in the global aerospace sector — a sector in which the province already holds an exceptional position thanks to players such as Bombardier, CAE, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Bell Textron Canada, and a constellation of specialized SMEs. With approximately 43,000 direct jobs and exports exceeding CA$16 billion annually, aerospace remains one of Quebec's most important economic pillars.
MACH's expansion, and more broadly La Caisse's investments in global aviation, help to strengthen the ties between Quebec capital and the international aviation industry, creating potential synergies for the province's companies and specialized workers.
About SMBC Aviation Capital
SMBC Aviation Capital is the world's leading aviation finance platform, managing a fleet of over 1,750 aircraft for more than 170 airlines worldwide. Backed by its shareholders — Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, and Sumitomo Corporation — SMBC Aviation Capital maintains a portfolio that is 80% composed of new technology aircraft (by net book value). The company is rated A- by S&P and BBB+ by Fitch, reflecting the long-term strength of its business.
About La Caisse
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 more than 6 million Quebecers, while contributing to Quebec's economic development. As a global investment group, La Caisse is active in major financial markets, private equity, infrastructure, real estate, and private credit. As of June 30, 2026, its net assets stood at CA$552 billion.
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The growth of Quebec's aerospace sector and major investments like MACH are generating increasing demand for specialized professionals in areas such as aviation finance, fleet management, engineering, maintenance, and flight operations. Whether you are an experienced professional or a recent graduate, AeroEmploi is your reference portal for all employment opportunities in Quebec's aerospace industry. Browse current job listings at aeroemploi.ca today and take your career to new heights in one of Quebec's most dynamic economic sectors.