Willow Wealth has invested in a Blue Owl-backed aircraft leasing business run by aviation investor Crestone Air Partners.
Blue Crest Aviation Partners (BCAP) is a joint venture between Crestone and funds managed by Blue Owl Capital, focused on acquiring mid-life commercial jet aircraft leased to airlines globally.
Willow Wealth, a platform for private markets investing, said it expects to pursue additional commercial aviation investments through BCAP.
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“BCAP was created to combine Crestone’s aviation expertise with Blue Owl’s institutional capital to pursue commercial aviation investments,” said Kevin Milligan, chief executive of Crestone Air Partners. “Welcoming Willow Wealth into BCAP expands the investor base participating in these transactions and reflects the growing interest in the asset class.”
Willow Wealth said the transaction marks its expansion into the commercial aviation asset class and provides its investors with exposure to jet aircrafts.
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“Joining BCAP allows us to provide our investors with access to commercial aviation investments through an experienced aviation manager and an established institutional capital base,” said Fahd Basir, managing director of Willow Wealth. “This initial investment reflects our focus on asset quality and long-term alignment.”
The move by Willow Wealth comes as other alternative managers have also been entering into the commercial aviation space. Last month, Blackstone joined a strategic aircraft engine leasing partnership with Willis Lease Finance Corporation, with hopes to deploy $1bn (£742.3bn) over the next two years.
