Aircraft lessor and asset manager Orix Aviation is buying UK-headquartered aftermarket specialist AerFin to expand into engine, component and end-of-life aircraft services.
Announced early Aug. 3, the tie-up will combine Dublin-headquartered, Japanese-owned Orix Aviation's aircraft leasing, investment and asset management services with AerFin’s aircraft, engine and component trading and technical services businesses.
The acquisition is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Neither party disclosed financial terms of the deal but reports from Japan have suggested an enterprise value of around ¥100 billion ($638 million) for AerFin. Orix Aviation is buying AerFin from Danish private equity firm CataCap, which has been the business’s majority shareholder since 2019.
Once completed, the acquisition will broaden Orix Aviation’s presence across several aftermarket functions, including aircraft and engine leasing, inventory management, component sales, repair management, engine maintenance and aircraft part-out activities.
Orix Aviation CEO James Meyler described the acquisition as an important step in the company’s efforts to expand beyond its established aircraft leasing and asset management operations.
“AerFin has built a leading aviation aftermarket platform, supported by an experienced management team, deep technical expertise and a global customer network,” Meyler said.
Founded in 2010 by Bob James, AerFin acquires, leases, sells and repairs aircraft, engines and components. The company provides services to airlines, lessors and MRO providers, including material supply, inventory solutions and engine MRO support. The company said it has more than 230 employees. In addition to its headquarters close to Newport, Wales, which it moved into in early 2025, it operates from locations in Miami, Singapore and Dublin, with a customer base of more than 600 worldwide.
AerFin’s CEO Simon Goodson said Orix’s backing would provide the company with the financial resources and international platform required to accelerate its development.
“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,” Goodson said.
Orix Aviation was founded in Dublin in 1991 and is owned by Japanese financial services company Orix Corp. As of March 31, 2026, the aviation arm of the business owned and managed more than 230 aircraft leased to more than 60 airline customers in more than 40 countries.
Orix also holds a 30% shareholding in aircraft lessor Avolon and provides asset management services to Japanese investors, U.S. funds, banks and other financial institutions.
The company’s AerFin acquisition shows a growing trend of aircraft lessors and investors in the aftermarket, as specialists navigate maintenance capacity shortfalls and extended lead times for new components, resulting in continued demand for used serviceable material and alternative repair solutions.
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