Merger a boost to aircraft leasing sector

The Government sees significant potential for further growth and job creation from the aircraft leasing industry.

Dublin’s reputation as a location hub for the sector was strengthened yesterday with the announcement that SMBC Aviation Capital — which is already headquartered here — is to expand, via merger, to become the third largest aircraft leasing firm in the world.

Most recently owned by Royal Bank of Scotland, the Irish-founded company was acquired by the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) for $7.3bn (€5.7bn) earlier this year.