Sculptor raises $415.5m in aircraft securitisation deal

Sculptor Capital Management has raised $415.5m (£309.6m) through the closing of an aircraft securitisation.

The $37bn global alternative asset manager announced the close of Eclipse 2026-1, an aircraft securitisation transaction.

The deal marks an asset-backed securitisation offering under a new sponsor-servicer relationship between Sculptor, which provided the investment management expertise, and SMBC Aviation Capital, which provided the global servicing platform.

The transaction also establishes a partnership between SMBC Aviation Capital and Eclipse, focused on a portfolio of aircraft assets comprising 23 Boeing and Airbus aircraft leased to 16 global airlines across 15 countries, with a total appraised value of approximately $500m.

SMBC Aviation Capital will continue to service the portfolio, while an affiliate of Sculptor will act as asset manager.

“Aviation continues to present highly attractive investment dynamics within asset-based finance, and Eclipse 2026-1 reflects our conviction in both the underlying assets and the strength of this partnership,” said Udai Bishnoi, global head of asset-based finance, office of the chief finance officer of Sculptor. “As one of the largest aircraft lessors, SMBC Aviation Capital brings the scale, operational depth, and long-term orientation that aligns with how Sculptor underwrites aviation risk.”