Novus Aviation Capital (“Novus”), in partnership with Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank (“SMTB”), today announced the launch of the Ortus Aircraft Leasing Fund, L.P. III (“Ortus III”), the third in a series of operating leasing funds focused on acquiring Airbus and Boeing aircraft placed on lease to global airlines.
The launch of Ortus III comes at a time of sustained momentum in the aircraft leasing market. Following the post‑pandemic resurgence in passenger traffic, airlines worldwide continue to face significant aircraft shortages, with manufacturers managing record‑high order backlogs. Market growth is expected to accelerate as production capacities increase and operators seek flexible financing solutions, with the global aircraft leasing market projected to reach c. USD 320 billion by 2030.
Novus and SMTB first partnered in 2016 to establish the inaugural Ortus Aircraft Leasing Fund, followed by the second fund in 2019. Both were marketed exclusively in Japan and attracted a diversified base of institutional investors. Ortus III marks an expansion of the platform, with the new fund to be offered across Asia and the Middle East to meet the region’s growing demand for alternative investment opportunities.
Commenting on the launch, Takeru Mifune, Head of Asset Finance Team at SMTB said “We are pleased that we have successfully launched our third aircraft leasing fund in partnership with Novus. This achievement represents another significant milestone in our decade-long collaboration. Despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID 19 pandemic, our existing funds have demonstrated the strength and resilience of our partnership, while underscoring Novus’s exceptional management capabilities throughout the period”.
While George Ai, Head of Asia and Capital Formation for Novus commented, “We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with SMTB with the launch of the third series of our operating lease platform. After a period of pause driven by the impact of COVID, this renewed collaboration reflects our shared confidence in the long term resilience of the aviation sector. With investor interest in asset backed strategies continuing to strengthen, this new fund reinforces our commitment to meeting the industry’s evolving financing needs while delivering stable, attractive returns for our investors.”
