Expansion at Aircastle

announced today that it has entered into a purchase agreement with subsidiaries of

(GAIF) to acquire 38 aircraft for approximately $1.595bn. Aircastle expects to finance the $1.595bn purchase price with common equity and debt financing.

Of the 38 aircraft that Aircastle will purchase, 12 are freighters, of which four are Boeing 747-400ERF freighters to be delivered new from the manufacturer. Seven of the assets are Boeing 747-400 aircraft converted or to be converted to freighter specifications and one is a McDonnell Douglas MD11SF. The remaining 26 assets are passenger aircraft.

According to a statement, the Guggenheim portfolio acquisition significantly expands Aircastle's presence in the worldwide freighter market with a globally diverse group of lessees including Martinair, Emirates and KLM.

Aircastle’s CEO Ron Wainshal commented, ‘This is a transformational investment for Aircastle. This acquisition significantly increases the asset base of our company and establishes a meaningful presence in the cargo sector, which we believe combines revenue stability with material potential for growth.’