M&A News

AeroTime • Ian Molyneaux

Avolon sells 33-aircraft portfolio to Lesha Bank for $1.6 billion

Avolon and Qatar-based Lesha Bank have signed a sale and purchase agreement covering 33 aircraft currently leased to 25 airlines worldwide. Following completion, the transaction will increase Lesha’s managed aviation fleet to more than 75 aircraft, expanding its position in the aircraft-finance market.

2026-09-29T04:39:57.634740-07:00

M&A

Recent Coverage

AeroTime

High activity

Avolon sells 33-aircraft portfolio to Lesha Bank for $1.6 billion

Avolon and Qatar-based Lesha Bank have signed a sale and purchase agreement covering 33 aircraft currently leased to 25 airlines worldwide. Following completion, the transaction will increase Lesha’s managed aviation fleet to more than 75 aircraft, expanding its position in the aircraft-finance market.

3 sources Bookmark this story

Wall Street Journal

High activity

Asian MRO activity expands as HAECO wins three airline contracts, GMF lands 747 work and AAR pursues $1.8B deal

HAECO has secured airframe, engine and landing-gear agreements with ANA, JAL and Garuda, while GMF AeroAsia will perform heavy maintenance on AirZeta’s Boeing 747s from 2027 through 2030. Separately, AAR has agreed to acquire a majority stake in MRO Holdings for $1.8 billion, according to sources.

8 sources Bookmark this story

FlightGlobal

High activity

Avolon sells Lesha Bank a 33-aircraft portfolio leased to 25 airlines

Avolon has agreed to sell Lesha Bank a portfolio of 33 commercial aircraft leased to 25 airlines, with management transferring to Lesha Aviation Services. The transaction will lift Lesha’s managed fleet beyond 75 aircraft and expand its Sharia-compliant leasing platform, while advancing Avolon’s asset-recycling strategy.

6 sources Bookmark this story

Payload

High activity

Iridium shareholders approve Rocket Lab’s $54-a-share acquisition, clearing key step toward mid-2027 close

Iridium stockholders approved Rocket Lab’s acquisition with 99.6% of votes cast, endorsing consideration valued at $54 per share, comprising $27 in cash and collared Rocket Lab stock. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close by mid-2027, while Rocket Lab signals further deals ahead.

6 sources Bookmark this story

AeroTime

High activity

Attestor to acquire Germany’s remaining 49% stake in Condor, taking full control in 2027

British private-equity firm Attestor is exercising its option to acquire the German government-held 49% stake in Condor, following an agreement reached in 2021. The transaction, expected to close in late August 2027, will end state ownership as Condor pursues medium- and long-haul fleet renewal and growth.

16 sources Bookmark this story

SpaceWatch Global

High activity

MBS acquires 20% of HPS as German space-hardware company expands into defense and communications

MBS has acquired a 20% stake in HPS, supporting a seven-figure investment program at the German space-hardware company. The funding will help HPS expand beyond its existing space activities into defense and communications markets, broadening its addressable customer base and strategic footprint.

1 source Bookmark this story

Incoming Air India CEO considers merger with low-cost subsidiary

Air India’s incoming chief executive is weighing a merger between the full-service carrier and its low-cost subsidiary, according to Commercial Aviation News. The potential combination could reshape the group’s operating structure and brand portfolio, although no decision or timeline has been reported.

1 source Bookmark this story

Create a free account to see more recent M&A stories and keep bookmarks in one place.