Avolon announced it has raised $420 million through its inaugural Samurai loan facility, marking the largest debut Samurai issuance by a European company and the firm’s first borrowing that is not denominated in U.S. dollars.
The Dublin-based aviation finance company secured the financing through a consortium of Japanese and international banks. The dual-tranche, five-year unsecured facility includes approximately $346 million alongside ¥11.7 billion (about $75 million). A Samurai loan facility is a cross-border syndicated loan structured and distributed in Japan’s domestic loan market.
The transaction drew strong demand from lenders and was supported by a syndicate of 12 banks, including nine new banking partners. All participating lenders are Japanese banks or international banks with Tokyo branches, highlighting the access to capital that the Samurai loan structure provides and enabling Avolon to further diversify its funding sources.
The Samurai loan marks another major capital-raising milestone for Avolon in early 2026. The company said it has secured $1.9 billion in new unsecured facilities during the first quarter so far, including the Samurai facility and $1.5 billion of senior unsecured notes announced in February.
Avolon is one of the world’s largest aviation finance companies, working with 139 airlines across 61 countries. As of December 31, 2025, the company reported an owned, managed, and committed fleet of 1,132 aircraft.
The financing was arranged by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, and Development Bank of Japan, which served as mandated lead arrangers and bookrunners. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group also acted as the agent for the facility.
KEY QUOTE:
“This inaugural Samurai Facility further diversifies our capital base and expands our global banking relationships through the addition of new institutional lenders. This transaction further demonstrates the strong global appetite for unsecured lending to aviation leasing companies and reflects confidence in Avolon’s performance and growth outlook.”
Ross O’Connor, CFO Of Avolon
