ORIX Aviation has signed an agreement to acquire AerFin, the aviation aftermarket specialist that buys, sells, leases and repairs aircraft, engines and parts.
The acquisition will see AerFin become an ORIX Aviation-owned company, bringing ORIX Aviation’s global aircraft leasing, asset management and investment platform together with AerFin’s proven aftermarket capabilities and technical expertise. ORIX Aviation plans to complete this transaction by the end of 2026, subject to the receipt of required regulatory approvals.
AerFin has built a strong reputation as a trusted partner to the global aviation aftermarket. Guided by its vision to be the most trusted partner in the sector, the company helps airlines, lessors and MROs keep fleets flying with confidence. Its flexible aftermarket services span aircraft and engine trading, inventory solutions, component sales, leasing, repair management and engine MRO. Together, these capabilities give customers access to material, technical expertise and support to help them manage assets more effectively.
The company has grown significantly over the years and is trusted by customers globally. AerFin has facilities in the UK, Miami, Singapore and Dublin and employs more than 230 people.
Established in 1991, ORIX Aviation owns and manages aircraft and provides comprehensive asset management services to Japanese and international investors and funds through its full-service operating lease platform. The acquisition of AerFin will broaden ORIX Aviation’s capabilities across the aircraft lifecycle, from leasing and asset management through to end-of-life part-out and aftermarket solutions.
ORIX Aviation was advised by Goldman Sachs International as sole financial advisor, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher as legal counsel, EY as financial due diligence advisor and PwC as tax due diligence advisor.
“I am delighted that AerFin is joining the ORIX Group, a business that shares our values and belief in trusted partnerships, flexible solutions and finding the way ahead for our customers,” said Simon Goodson, chief executive officer of AerFin. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our founder Bob James for his vision and tenacity, our departing majority shareholders CataCap for their outstanding custodianship and guidance, and of course our customers, employees and partners who have made our business what it is today. This is a defining moment in AerFin’s story and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. With the backing of ORIX Aviation and the wider ORIX Group, we will have the support, confidence and platform to enable AerFin to become a stronger force within the industry, while continuing our ambition to be the most trusted partner in the aviation aftermarket. The best of AerFin is still to come.”
James Meyler, chief executive officer of ORIX Aviation, said: “The acquisition of AerFin is a significant milestone for ORIX Aviation and ORIX Group as we expand our capabilities across the aircraft lifecycle. AerFin has built a leading aviation aftermarket platform, supported by an experienced management team, deep technical expertise and a global customer network. Together, we will be well positioned to deliver additional value for customers and investors, while supporting a more sustainable aviation industry through the reuse and optimisation of aircraft assets.”
Bob James, founder of AerFin, added: “Having built AerFin from the ground up and spent my career in the aviation MRO sector, I recognise a strong leadership team and a long-term home when I see one. Simon Goodson has led the business brilliantly through this transition, and I have every confidence in him and the wider team as they take AerFin into its next chapter. CataCap have been an excellent partner throughout this journey, fully supportive, engaged, and genuinely invested in what we’ve built together. ORIX Aviation bring exactly the support, reputation and long-term commitment this business deserves, and I am delighted AerFin has found such a natural home to continue its growth.”