aviation   M&A   Aircraft Finance & Leasing   Orders  
FlightGlobal • Dominic Perry

SMBC-led consortium completes $7.4bn acquisition of Air Lease; enterprise value ~$28.2bn

A consortium led by SMBC Aviation Capital with Sumitomo, Apollo-managed funds and Brookfield has completed its $7.4 billion buyout of Air Lease Corporation, valuing the company at roughly $28.2 billion including debt assumed or refinanced net of cash. The deal materially increases consolidated leasing scale and balance-sheet capacity.

Also: Le Journal de l’Aviation and aviator.aero
2026-04-08T09:22:09.066032-07:00
defense   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

Chilean KC-135 conducts first aerial refuelling of U.S. F-35As en route to FIDAE

By FlightGlobal: The US Air Force jets are part of a flight demonstration contingent participating in the biannual FIDAE air show in Santiago, Chile from 7-12 April A tanker aircraft from the Chilean air force has for the first time refuelled two American Lockheed Martin F-35A stealth fighters en route to the South American country.

Also: DVIDS / U.S. DoD, The Aviationist and worldwarwings.com
2026-04-08T08:51:13.888631-07:00
aviation   PaxEx   North America   Airline Industry & Market Trends   Airlines  
Breitflyte • Joe Breitfeller

WestJet Adds Copa Airlines as New Interline Partner, Launches New Interline Booking Capabilities

By Breitflyte: WestJet has today announced the addition of Copa Airlines as a new interline partner. The carrier has also launched new interline booking capabilities, allowing customers to book seamless multi-airline itineraries across 50 partner airlines.

2026-04-08T09:37:28.644309-07:00