Media Coverage

Hong Kong Aviation Capital and Wizz Air close sale and lease back on new Airbus A320 aircraft

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 05:08:43 GMT

Hong Kong and Sydney, 30 March, 2012 - Hong Kong Aviation Capital (HKAC) and Wizz Air have successfully closed the sale and lease back of a new Airbus A320 aircraft, MSN 5075 was delivered on 29th March at the Airbus facility in Toulouse.

This brings the total up to four new A320’s on long term operating leases between HKAC and Wizz Air. The total HKAC portfolio now exceeds 70 aircraft.

"We are extremely pleased to have completed these transactions and are looking forward to further developing our excellent relationship with Wizz Air” said Russell Hubbard, HKAC’s Regional Commercial Head for EMEA, North America, Russia & CIS.

"The deliveries of new Airbus A320’s continue to support our leadership position in Central and Eastern Europe. We are pleased to partnering with HKAC within our diversified financing portfolio,” Said Michael Powell, Chief Financial Officer of Wizz Air.

About Hong Kong Aviation Capital

Hong Kong Aviation Capital (“HKAC”) is a global aircraft lessor. HKAC is headquartered out of Hong Kong, with offices in Sydney, London, Dublin and New York. HKAC specialises in aircraft leasing and financing, aircraft asset management and financial advisory services. HKAC’s mission is to be a leading aircraft lessor of scale and global reach, with the highest quality aircraft and airline portfolio and asset management capability; to be the aircraft asset investment destination of choice for Chinese capital; and to uphold the reputation and values of our core shareholder, the HNA Group. The company’s Web site can be found at www.hongkongaviation.com.

About Wizz Air

Wizz Air, the largest low cost – low fare airline in Central and Eastern Europe, carried more than 11 million passengers in the last 12 months. The airline's fleet currently consists of 35 Airbus A320 aircraft operating from 15 bases, in Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Serbia and Lithuania.

Hong Kong Aviation Capital Announces Bohai Leasing Transaction

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 07:21:54 GMT

Hong Kong, December 2, 2011 - Bohai Leasing Co., Ltd, (Shenzhen Stock Exchange China publicly listed financial service company Public, SLE: 000415 ), ( “Bohai Leasing” ), a company based in Tianjin, China has announced to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange that it contemplates acquiring a significant shareholding from HNA Group in Hong Kong Aviation Capital (“HKAC”), the global commercial aircraft lessor incorporated in Hong Kong.

HNA Group currently controls 62.14% of Bohai Leasing. Bohai Leasing’s principal activities relate to the leasing of infrastructure assets on mainland China. Following the closing of this transaction, HNA Group will continue to hold a majority interest in HKAC.

This transaction provides HKAC with the potential to access new equity investment through future issuances of new shares by Bohai Leasing to the mainland Chinese public markets. Through its investment in HKAC, Bohai Leasing in turn will diversify its leasing interests by providing its shareholders with investment in commercial aircraft assets leased to airlines globally.

Bohai Leasing is expected to complete the purchase of shares in early 2012. It is not anticipated that HKAC’s aircraft leasing operations and management team will be impacted by this transaction.

Additional information can be found on the website of Shenzhen Stock Exchange: http://www.cninfo.com.cn/ (stock code 000415 ).

Hong Kong Aviation Capital Appoints Mr. Alan Jenkins - Senior Consultant, Capital Markets and Finance

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 07:19:25 GMT

Hong Kong and Sydney, October 4, 2011 – Hong Kong Aviation Capital ("HKAC"), a leading global aircraft lessor, announced today it has appointed Mr. Alan Jenkins as its new Senior Consultant, Capital Markets and Finance.

Mr. Jenkins will be based in Sydney and comes to HKAC through his role as a Principal at Equavia Limited, a firm which provides advisory services within the aviation sector. He began his appointment with HKAC on October 1, 2011.

Mr. Jenkins has extensive aviation experience of over 14 years, specializing in aircraft leasing and finance. Alan was the CFO of Genesis Lease Limited, a global commercial aircraft leasing company listed on the New York Stock Exchange following a successful IPO and securitization in late 2006, raising proceeds of $1.6 billion. Following the launch, Alan turned to growing and developing Genesis from a start-up operation, building out the infrastructure, raising bank financings of $1.3 billion to support growth and executing the strategy through the unprecedented conditions of 2008 and 2009 including the execution of an all-stock merger with AerCap in 2010, a transaction which created the largest global independent aircraft leasing business with a combined balance sheet of $8 billion.

"We are extremely pleased to have someone of Alan’s calibre and experience working with HKAC. Alan will be a tremendous asset to support the growth of our business, the evolution of our operations and the continued structuring and sourcing of capital as HKAC steps up our development and continued international expansion," said Mr. Donal Boylan, CEO, Hong Kong Aviation Capital.

Prior to joining Genesis, Mr. Jenkins worked with AWAS for 6 years in Sydney and headed up the Commercial department which was responsible for the structuring and risk evaluation of all transactions and the portfolio, advising the Investment Committee on all lease and trading decisions and working through the restructuring of customer contracts and bankruptcy proceedings in the post 9/11 environment. Prior to AWAS, Mr. Jenkins started his career with KPMG in Dublin, Ireland and managed many aircraft leasing clients including the GPA Group and the Airbus operations in Dublin.

Hong Kong Aviation Capital Appoints Peter Huijbers - Regional Commercial Head, Asia Pacific

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 07:19:11 GMT

Hong Kong, 1 November, 2011 – Hong Kong Aviation Capital (“HKAC”), a leading global aircraft lessor, announced today it has appointed Peter Huijbers as its new Regional Commercial Head, Asia Pacific responsible for airline leasing relationships.

Mr. Huijbers will be based in Hong Kong and was most recently the Managing Director of VIA Capital Partners, LLC – a company specialised in aircraft PDP (Pre-Delivery Payment) finance solutions. He will commence his appointment with HKAC on 1 January 2012.

Mr. Huijbers has over 25 years aviation industry experience, and has been employed in senior commercial positions at BMW Rolls-Royce, Lufthansa Technik as well as being Managing Director at Nordcapital Aviation. Mr. Huijbers’ experience covers the full spectrum of technical, commercial and capital markets and he has dealt extensively with the senior management of airlines, banks, aircraft investors and closed-end funds globally.

“We are extremely pleased to have someone of Mr. Huijbers’ immense capability and wide experience joining us at HKAC. Mr. Huijbers will lead HKAC's focus on the growth of our new business with airlines and aircraft manufacturers in Asia Pacific, and brings a wealth of relationships and credibility that will add value to the HKAC proposition with them,” said Mr. Donal Boylan, CEO, Hong Kong Aviation Capital.

Mr. Huijbers is a member of the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT) and has been a member of the Board of Directors from 2005 - 2011. Mr. Huijbers played a key role in the ISTAT Globalization Initiative growing both ISTAT’s European presence as well as developing an initial presence in Asia with a very successful first ISTAT China conference in May 2011. Mr. Huijbers graduated with distinction from the Technical University in Eindhoven, NL, and has a Master of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and Management Science. He has been on the examination board of the Marketing Academy in Hamburg for business-to-business Marketing and is fluent in Dutch, German and English.

Hong Kong Aviation Capital Appoints Mr. Gregoire de La Moureyre - Commercial Director, Asia Pacific Region

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 07:18:58 GMT

Hong Kong and Sydney, October 4, 2011 – Hong Kong Aviation Capital ("HKAC"), a leading global aircraft lessor, announced today it has appointed Mr. Gregoire de La Moureyre as its new Commercial Director, Asia Pacific Region.

Mr. de La Moureyre will be based in Hong Kong and comes to HKAC through his role as the Director of Marketing and Sales for Airbus Freighter Conversion, in charge of Latin America, Asia-Pacific and the Middle-East. He began his appointment with HKAC on October 1, 2011.

Greg has 15 years experience with airports, airlines, aircraft manufacturers and lessors; 8 of which being in Asia. Greg’s roles included that of A380 senior Market Analyst for Airbus, Airline Analyst for Embraer Asia-Pacific and Marketing Manager, Asia-Pacific for Volito Aviation Services Asia.

"We are extremely pleased to have someone of Greg’s quality and commitment joining us at HKAC. Greg will re-enforce HKAC's focus on the growth of our new business with airlines and aircraft manufacturers in Asia Pacific, and brings a wealth of knowledge that will add value to the HKAC proposition with them," said Mr. Donal Boylan, CEO, Hong Kong Aviation Capital.

Greg attended the National School of Civil Aviation (ENAC) in Toulouse, France where he gained a Masters degree in engineering, specialising in aeronautics.

Hong Kong Aviation Capital Appoints Rick Macker - Head of Capital Markets

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 07:18:35 GMT

Hong Kong, 13 August, 2010 – Hong Kong Aviation Capital (‘HKAC’), a leading investor in global aviation finance, announced today that Rick Macker has been appointed Head of Capital Markets. Rick commenced his employment with HKAC this week and is based in the company’s London office. He comes to HKAC from HSH-Nordbank AG where he was Senior Vice-President, Head of Transportation Americas.

“Rick Macker’s appointment is a significant step in growing our executive management team to help drive HKAC’s global expansion,” said Bharat Bhise, CEO Bravia Capital and shareholder in HKAC.

“Rick’s hiring is testament to our dedication to attract and recruit the best available talent in the global finance industry. Rick’s 20 years of experience in the transport finance sector will help HKAC in achieving our short and long term business goals, including our objective to double our aircraft fleet in the next 12 months,” he said.

“Since taking over the Allco Aviation Leasing business earlier this year we’ve built and strengthened our management and staff, upgraded our accounting and technology systems and redefined our strategy. We are very excited about our future,” said Mathis Shinnick, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Aviation Capital.

HKAC is a diversified player in the global aviation finance industry that includes HNA Group Co., Ltd of China and an affiliate of Bravia Capital, New York as shareholders. The appointment of Mr. Macker follows the company’s recent acquisition of three new A320 aircraft under sale-leaseback to Indian airline IndiGo. The US$ 200 million transaction, signed in early July 2010, will expand HKAC’s fleet of 68 aircraft, and assets totaling approximately US$3 billion. The firm completed its acquisition of Allco Aviation in early January 2010. HKAC plans to further expand its employee presence globally over the next 12 months.

Mr. Macker was most recently Senior Vice-President, Head of Transportation Americas at HSH-Nordbank AG in New York. Prior to joining HSH, he worked for GATX Capital in San Francisco as Vice President, Structured Finance, and before that he was the Chief Financial Officer of a global transportation finance company, Gateway Container International. He started his career at GE Capital and left there to co-found and set up Gateway. Mr. Macker was educated at The University of Maryland.

Hong Kong Aviation Capital Appoints Paul Dwyer - Head of Risk

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 07:18:18 GMT

Hong Kong and Sydney, November 30, 2010 – Hong Kong Aviation Capital (“HKAC”), a leading investor in global aviation finance, announced today it has appointed Paul Dwyer as its new Head of Risk.

Mr Dwyer will be based in Hong Kong and comes to HKAC after a long career in aviation and aircraft risk management. Mr Dwyer is expected to begin his appointment at HKAC on December 1, 2010.

Paul has previously been the Head of Risk for Global Aviation Asset Management (“GAAM”) Pty Ltd in Australia. In this role he was responsible for all risk management activities, implemented a portfolio monitoring system for a $1.8 billion portfolio spread over 19 countries and designed and implemented a comprehensive portfolio credit risk model. His work also included heading risk analysis for an IPO and advising on reporting requirements and implications of interest rate and currency movements.

Prior to GAAM, Paul was the Senior Vice President Credit and Research for Boullioun Aviation Services, Inc. While at Boullioun he pioneered the use of loss given default, expected loss and economic capital concepts in aviation operating leasing as part of a comprehensive risk management program.

“We are very pleased to have someone of Paul’s caliber joining HKAC, and see it as another important step in our development and continuing international expansion,” said Mathis Shinnick, CEO, Hong Kong Aviation Capital.

“Paul’s wide experience in and knowledge of risk management will be an asset to HKAC. His extensive knowledge of risk issues and lease operations will help us rapidly consolidate our lease management business within the Allco aviation portfolio acquired early in 2010. It will help us position HKAC as a leader in the global aircraft leasing marketplace,” Mr Shinnick said.

“Paul is a highly-respected executive in the aviation risk management field,” said Bharat Bhise, CEO of Bravia Capital Partners and investor in HKAC. “His hiring is a further sign of our commitment to recruit the best available talent in the industry.”

“Hiring Paul will significantly enhance HKAC’s position as a leading industry player whereby our investor and lender base can take additional comfort that we are focused on ensuring we are being compensated fairly for the risk profile for every investment,” Mr Bhise said.

Paul has an MBA from Seattle University in Washington and a BA in international studies from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

HKAC secured a portfolio of nearly US$3 billion in assets this year by completing its acquisition of Allco Aviation in early January 2010. As part of the acquisition, HKAC retained the existing management team of the Allco Aviation portfolio.

Hong Kong Aviation Capital Appoints Russell Hubbard - Regional Head of Commercial

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 07:17:56 GMT

Hong Kong and Sydney, July 26, 2011 – Hong Kong Aviation Capital (“HKAC”), a leading investor in global aviation finance, announced today it has appointed Russell Hubbard as its new Regional Head of Commercial for Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA), Russia and CIS.

Mr. Hubbard will be based in London and comes to HKAC from GAAM in London. During his 25 year aviation career he has performed a range of commercial activities and analysis on behalf of lessors buying major aviation portfolios and advising airlines on lease financing. Mr. Hubbard will begin his appointment with HKAC in September.

During his first two years at GAAM the portfolio grew to more than 50 aircraft and in recent years Mr. Hubbard has successfully negotiated new leases and managed the sale of certain assets from the portfolio. He also implemented the lessor’s asset management programme and oversaw that complete function.

"We are very pleased to have someone of Russell’s calibre joining HKAC, and see it as another important step in our development and continuing international expansion," said Mr. Donal Boylan, CEO, Hong Kong Aviation Capital.

"Russell’s wide experience in and knowledge of the market will be an asset to HKAC. His extensive knowledge of lease operations will help us rapidly consolidate our lease management business within the Allco aviation portfolio acquired early in 2010. It will support HKAC as it continues to position itself through new business expansion as a leader in the global aircraft leasing marketplace."

In addition to as his recent experience at GAAM, Mr. Hubbard has held the position of Director of Consultancy Services at IBA Group, Head of Commercial at Euro Direct Airlines and has worked as a consultant with both SH&E and in a private capacity. He has acted as an expert witness in commercial court cases in the UK and China. Mr. Hubbard holds an MBA from the University of Liverpool in the UK.

HKAC continues to expand its portfolio of more than US$3 billion in assets this year following completion of its acquisition of Allco Aviation in early January 2010. As part of that acquisition, HKAC retained the existing management team of the Allco Aviation portfolio.

Hong Kong Aviation Capital and IndiGo Airlines close sale and lease back on two Airbus A320

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:02:37 GMT

Hong Kong and Sydney, 30 June, 2011 – IndiGo Airlines and Hong Kong Aviation Capital (HKAC) have successfully closed the sale and lease back of two new Airbus A320 aircraft. IndiGo MSN 4752 and 4757 were delivered on 30 June at the Airbus facility in Toulouse.

HKAC closed the delivery of the new aircraft assisted with financing from China Development Bank.

HKAC now has a total of ten (10) A320s on lease to IndiGo.

"We are extremely pleased to have completed this transaction for IndiGo Airlines and are looking forward to further opportunities for co-operation with IndiGo" said Donal Boylan, HKAC’s Chief Executive Officer.

"We are delighted to have completed a further financing with China Development Bank, and look forward to working closely with CDB as our business grows".

Wizz Air closes Sale and Lease Back transaction for four A320 aircraft with Hong Kong Aviation Capital

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:33:26 GMT

Hong Kong & Sydney, 15 February, 2011 – Wizz Air and Hong Kong Aviation Capital (HKAC) announced the closing of sale and lease back transaction for two new Airbus A320 aircraft, to be delivered in March 2011 and the closing of a pre-delivery financing and sale and lease back transaction for additional two new Airbus A320 aircraft, to be delivered in 1st Quarter of 2012. This is the first transaction between Wizz Air and HKAC.

The aircraft are included in the purchase contracts between Wizz Air and Airbus Industries for up to 107 A320 family aircraft. The aircraft will come with a single class configuration of 180 seats, consistent with Wizz Air’s unified A320 fleet, which is one of the most modern and youngest fleets in the region.

Under the terms of the transaction, HKAC will take ownership of the aircraft upon delivery from Airbus and Wizz Air will then lease them back from HKAC for an 11-year lease term. The deal allows Wizz Air to continue financing its impressive growth and also proves the robustness of its business model. It also allows HKAC to capitalize on the advantages of the long standing cooperation between Wizz Air and Airbus and positions itself well in the fast-growing air travel markets of Central and Eastern Europe.

József Váradi, Chief Executive Officer of Wizz Air said: "The deliveries of new Airbus A320 continues to support our leadership position in Central and Eastern Europe. We are pleased to add HKAC into our diversified financing portfolio."

"With this transaction, we have successfully added great aircraft and an exciting new customer to our portfolio," said Mathis Shinnick, HKAC’s Chief Executive Officer. "We look forward to expanding our relationship with Wizz as they continue their success story as one of Europe’s premier low-cost carriers."

Wizz Air carried 9.6 million passengers in the last 12 months. The airline's fleet currently consists of 34 Airbus A320 aircraft operating from 12 bases in Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine and the Czech Republic. The 13th base in Serbia will commence in April 2011.

Hong Kong Aviation Announces Australian Government Clearance for HNA Group's Acquisition of the Aviation Assets of Allco Finance Group

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:30:31 GMT

Hong Kong, September 22, 2009 – Hong Kong Aviation Capital ("HKAC"), an entity with plans to become a leading investor in global aviation finance, announced that the Australian government's Foreign Investment Review Board, in a letter dated September 2, 2009, has approved HNA Group's purchase of Allco Finance Group's aviation assets ("Allco Aviation"). HKAC originally signed the agreement to purchase the Allco Aviation in May 2009. HKAC also confirmed today that it has concluded the specific terms of Agricultural Bank of China’s support for the Allco Aviation acquisition.

"With this approval from Australia's Foreign Investment Review Board, an important condition to closing has been satisfied," said Stewart Smith, Chairman of Hong Kong Aviation Capital. "We appreciate the vote of confidence from the Australian government for this investment as well as previous approval from China's State Development and Reform Commission. Additionally, the financing commitment from Agricultural Bank of China is further proof of the confidence in our business and our ability to assume management of Allco Aviation’s assets. We intend to close this transaction in short order, which will take us one step further toward meeting our goal of becoming a dominant player in aviation finance and deploying significant capital in the sector globally."

The Agricultural Bank of China provided the following statement: "We are pleased to be supporting Hong Kong Aviation Capital's acquisition of Allco Aviation. HNA Group and Bravia Capital have talented teams with a wealth of experience in managing, leasing and financing aircraft and the management team already in place at Allco Aviation is held in high regard. We are confident that our financial commitment will be put to prudent use and look forward to working with Hong Kong Aviation Capital in the future." HKAC expects to complete the transaction in the coming weeks.

Hong Kong Aviation - VIDEO - Donal Boylan - Overview of Aviation Finance 2000 to 2009

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:30:16 GMT

(10th Annual Asia-Pacific Airfinance Conference, Hong Kong)

Hong Kong Aviation Completes Acquisition of Allco Aviation Business and Assets

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:30:07 GMT

Hong Kong, January 7, 2010 – Hong Kong Aviation Capital ("HKAC"), a leading investor in the global aviation sector, today announced that it has successfully completed the previously announced acquisition of the Allco Aviation business and assets from the Receiver of the Sydney, Australia based Allco Finance Group. The Allco Finance Group went into Receivership in November 2008. Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. HKAC now owns interests in and will manage all relevant aircraft within the former Allco aviation portfolio.

"We are pleased to have delivered on our promise of completing the Allco acquisition," said Stewart Smith, HKAC's Vice Chairman. "We would like to thank the Receiver, lenders and other stakeholders for their support through what has proved to be a challenging process. We now look forward to consolidating the existing lease management business and building out the Allco platform in order to achieve our goal of establishing ourselves as a leader in the global aircraft leasing marketplace."

"We think this is a tremendous outcome for all involved," said Peter Gothard of Ferrier Hodgson, the Receiver of Allco Finance Group. "The result is a reflection of HNA Group and HKAC's commitment to this deal and will provide the platform for HKAC to build a position as a major player in the global aviation business."

HKAC plans on leveraging its strong aircraft management expertise, immediate financing capability and partnerships with leading financial institutions in its near term growth plans.

Hong Kong Aviation Capital to acquire three (3) new A320 aircraft under sale-leaseback to IndiGo in first major deal since buying Allco Aviation

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:29:40 GMT

Total transaction for seven (7) A320s.
HKAC completes US$ 200 million transaction to expand its operating lease portfolio

July 12, 2010 – HNA Group Company Limited (HNA) of China, a leading investor in global aviation, shipping and logistics, and Bravia Capital Partners (Bravia), today announced their plans for the next phase of growth following their recent acquisition of a 33.33% shareholding in GTB Invest ASA (GTB), the listed Norwegian offshore services company. The investment is held by Oceanus International Investment AS. Oceanus is owned 90% by HNA and 10% by an affiliate of Bravia and Oceanus is GTB’s largest shareholder.

Hong Kong Aviation Capital (“HKAC”), a leading investor in the global aviation sector, today announced new leases of three (3) new Airbus 320 aircraft to IndiGo Airlines of India. The leases will start on delivery of the aircraft new from Airbus to IndiGo in 2011. In addition, HKAC announced the agreement by IndiGo to extend the leases of four (4) existing A320 aircraft.

The three (3) new A320s will be delivered at manufacturer list prices totaling approximately US$ 200 million, and will be on lease to the airline for a period of six (6) years. HKAC is closing the purchase of the new aircraft with support from significant Chinese banking and financial institutions. Upon delivery of the new aircraft, HKAC will have a total of ten (10) A320s on lease to IndiGo. The transaction expands its existing 68 aircraft portfolio with assets totaling approximately US$ 3 billion.

HKAC is an Aviation leasing and investment company that includes HNA Group Co., Ltd., China and an affiliate of Bravia Capital, New York as shareholders.

Following the successful acquisition of the Allco aviation portfolio in January 2010, HKAC has transitioned the existing fleet and management, brought on key senior hires, and adopted a new business plan, to leverage its significant capital position by providing liquidity to operators with a target of growing the business to a top 5 operating lessor.

Mr. Mathis Shinnick, CEO of Hong Kong Aviation Capital said: “The announcement of this deal, coming so quickly after the transition of HKAC’s business model, demonstrates HKAC’s strong ambitions in the aircraft leasing business and is an important step in the company’s continued development and global expansion.“

"We are delighted to have completed yet another transaction with IndiGo as one of their largest lessors. With the completion of this deal, HKAC will have ten (10) aircraft on lease to Indigo, demonstrating our commitment to the airline,” Mr. Shinnick said.

“This transaction demonstrates our belief in the business model of IndiGo and its continued success. We believe IndiGo is a very well-run airline in India, as evidenced by its proven profitability, strong operating metrics, and balance sheet stability. We believe this deal will be very positive for HKAC, its shareholders, and the airline,” he said.

“HKAC plans to continue expanding our global presence and building our fleet by actively seeking business with top-tier lessees across the world,” he said.

Mr. Bharat Bhise, CEO of Bravia Capital said: “We are extremely optimistic about the Indian aviation market. Following the 2008 downturn, India has seen one of the strongest rebounds globally and current demand levels and load factors are the highest ever. IndiGo has set the standard for the LCC space in India by profitably running an airline despite daunting hurdles of high costs primarily as a result of poor infrastructure.“

“In the next year IndiGo will add 18 more aircraft over their current base increasing their market share of the Indian market from 11.7% in 2008 to almost 16% today. As a shareholder of HKAC, we are pleased by the announcement of this transaction and look forward to the company completing more transactions in India and globally,” Mr. Bhise said.

About Hong Kong Aviation Capital

Hong Kong Aviation Capital is one of the largest global aircraft operating lessors. The firm currently manages a portfolio of 68 aircraft worth approximately US$ 3 billion. In addition, HKAC invests in aviation financial instruments and provides aircraft management services. For more information, please see: www.hongkongaviation.com.

About HNA Group

HNA Group is a $ 22 billion conglomerate with investments in diverse industries including air transportation, shipping, logistics, hotels, financial services, retail and real estate. Since inception, HNA Group has been nominated as a Fortune 500 Enterprise of China for 6 consecutive years. For more information please see http://en.hnagroup.com.

About Bravia

Bravia Capital is a leading investor and advisor in the transportation (including aviation and shipping), logistics, and related growth industries. The team at Bravia has a long history of achievement in investment management and structuring complex financial instruments. For more information, please see: www.braviacapital.com.

Hong Kong Aviation Capital Takes Flight

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:18:40 GMT

New Hong Kong based aviation company to bring liquidity to aviation markets

Hong Kong, June 2009 – Hong Kong Aviation Capital (“HKAC”) has announced its formation with intent to quickly make its mark in the aviation industry. HKAC is positioning itself as a diversified player in the space and is planning to not only invest in aircraft leases and financial instruments, but also provide aircraft management and consulting services. In addition, HKAC will look to make strategic and opportunistic investments at all levels of the global public and private markets.

HKAC has stated that its mission is to prudently invest in the global aviation sector for consistent and long-term returns, creating value for its investors and clients alike. Driven by its high level of expertise in the financial and aviation industries, HKAC will bring a high level of innovation to the aviation sector by providing various value added products to its customers. HKAC has assembled a highly capable team with skills and experience in both the financial industry and the management of aircraft assets.

HKAC’s Chairman, Stewart Smith, reveals, “We are already active in the market. Hong Kong Aviation has been in discussions with several parties regarding the many opportunities available in the current economic climate, and we hope to shortly announce investments and transactions as they are consummated.” He goes on to say, “Hong Kong Aviation has access to a tremendous level of strategic and financial relationships, with both established aviation experts and with several new players, who I believe will very quickly and strongly make its imprint in the business. We are very excited about the progress made thus far and about our growth going forward.”

Hong Kong Aviation Capital is sponsored by a wealth of strategic partners in China and the US, including HNA Group Co., Ltd., Agricultural Bank of China, China Development Bank (China) and Bravia Capital Partners, Inc. (New York). Hong Kong Aviation Capital is headquartered in Hong Kong, and will have representatives in China, US, London, and India.

Hong Kong Aviation Capital Completes Nearly $1 Billion Worth of Airline Lease Transactions in Past Six Months

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:18:35 GMT

Company supported by access to more than $13 billion in credit lines, plans aggressive expansion of aviation leasing and financing activities

Hong Kong, July 17, 2009 – Hong Kong Aviation Capital (“HKAC”), a leading investor in the global aviation sector, today announced that it has closed nearly $1 billion worth of airline lease transactions in the past six months.

One transaction includes three (3) new Airbus A330-300 aircraft to be leased to Hong Kong Airlines, with each retailing for approximately $200 million for a total of approximately $600 million (at Airbus list prices). The deliveries are scheduled for 2010 and 2011. Financing was provided by China Development Bank.

The other transaction provides leasing of ten (10) new ERJ 190 aircraft to Tianjin Airlines. Each aircraft has a list price of approximately $38 million, for a total of approximately $380 million. The deliveries are scheduled for 2009 to 2011. Financing for this transaction was provided by China Ex-IM Bank.

HKAC is a recently-launched consortium that includes HNA Group Co., Ltd. and Bravia Capital Partners, Inc., with support from Agricultural Bank of China and China Development Bank. As the operator of the largest airline in China and significant interests in tourism, finance, real estate, infrastructure and logistics, HNA Group brings both significant financial resources and operational expertise to HKAC. Bravia Capital Partners provides the company with high level aircraft management expertise. The Bravia Capital Partners team has a track record of more than 25 years in international aviation investment, co-investment, finance and aircraft management, and has been involved in excess of $4 billion of financing for more than 500 commercial jet aircraft as well as more than 100 passenger to cargo aircraft conversions and airline investments in China and India. HKAC’s banking partners bring significant liquidity and capital to fund the group’s expansion in to the global aviation leasing marketplace.

“Hong Kong Aviation Capital is already a major investor and financier in global aviation, and the transactions we are announcing today are a sign of more to come,” said Bharat Bhise, CEO of Bravia Capital Partners and special advisor to HKAC. “HKAC has strong financing and aircraft management expertise and partnerships with financial institutions that have significant sources of liquidity that will enable us to become one of the dominant players in the aviation industry.”

The company, through its majority shareholder HNA Group, has committed financial support from Chinese banks including the Agricultural Bank of China and the China Development Bank, which have provided credit lines in excess of $13 billion to HNA Group.

“The financial resources and management expertise that Hong Kong Aviation Capital receives from HNA Group and Bravia Capital Partners are just part of what sets us apart from the competition,” said Stewart Smith, chairman of HKAC. “The industry is currently at a crossroads, and growth in global aviation will require new sources of financing combined with management expertise. HNA Group’s strong relationships with domestic Chinese banks, such as the Agricultural Bank of China and the China Development Bank, give our company the ability to bring immediate liquidity to any transaction and permit us to get deals done in virtually any type of market.”

Hong Kong Aviation Capital Appoints Oisín Murray as Vice President, Technical

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:18:33 GMT

Murray brings over 14 years of technical commercial aviation experience to HKAC

Hong Kong, August 3, 2009 – Hong Kong Aviation Capital ("HKAC"), a leading investor in the global aviation sector, today announced that it has appointed Oisín Murray Vice President, Technical. Mr. Murray will provide technical and asset management services to the company's aircraft business, including identifying and evaluating leasing and trading opportunities, determining valuations, evaluating condition and maintenance, and overseeing restoration activities.

"We are fortunate to have Oisín Murray bring his many years of technical aviation experience and significant expertise to the Hong Kong Aviation Capital team," said Stewart Smith, Chairman of the company. "Throughout his career, Oisín has garnered valuable experience in the technical and financial aspects of the aviation business that will be valuable to HKAC as it expands its business."

"I am pleased to be joining the talented and growing team at Hong Kong Aviation Capital," said Oisín Murray. "I look forward to contributing my expertise to HKAC as it continues to grow its business and expand its aviation portfolio."

Murray has served in a variety of technical positions with leading companies in the commercial aviation industry since 1995. He joins HKAC from SkyWorks Leasing, where he has served as Vice President since 2008 and has been responsible for managing technical negotiations between SkyWorks lessor and lessee clients. Previously, he was an Asset Manager for GE Capital Aviation Services from 2001 to 2008, where he was responsible for technical matters concerning that company's letters of intent and contracts for all owned and managed aircraft and lease engines in North America. While at GE Capital Aviation Services, Murray spearheaded the introduction of a technical project management system that improved reporting and control over engine expenditures. Murray served as Vice President, Technical for Shannon Engine Support from 1998 to 2001, where serving in the company's senior technical position he facilitated a growth in its asset base from 30 to 60 engines. Previously, he was a powerplant engineer for Lufthansa Technik from 1995 to 1998.

Murray is a graduate of the MBA program at University of Connecticut. He has degree in aeronautical engineering from Queen's University Belfast as well as a degree in physics and electronics from University College Galway.

Hong Kong Aviation Capital Appoints Industry Veteran Bob Watson Director, Technical

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:18:29 GMT

Hire further solidifies Hong Kong Aviation Capital’s position as an aviation industry leader

Hong Kong, July 20, 2009 – Hong Kong Aviation Capital (“HKAC”), a leading investor in the global aviation sector, today announced that it has appointed industry veteran Bob Watson as Director, Technical. Mr. Watson will be responsible for managing all technical operations for the company and will be based in Hong Kong.

“Bob Watson has a stellar industry reputation and a proven track record in managing technical initiatives of international airlines and leasing companies in countries across the globe,” said Stewart Smith, Chairman of Hong Kong Aviation Capital. “Adding a person of his caliber to our deep and talented team further strengthens our expertise in asset management and maintenance. I look forward to working with Bob and am confident that he will significantly contribute to our efforts to become one of the dominant players in the aviation industry.”

“HKAC is a company poised for growth and I am excited to be joining at such a dynamic time, said Bob Watson, newly-appointed Director, Technical. “HKAC is on the forefront of aircraft financing, and I look forward to lending my experience and skills to help the company manage the technical aspects of its business and grow its portfolio of assets.”

Watson has over 37 years of commercial aviation experience at the highest executive levels. His experience includes management and CEO positions at various international airlines, leasing companies and MROs in countries across the globe. Most recently, from 2003 to 2008, Watson was a Managing Director of Pemco Aviation Group, where he established the first Boeing 737-300 and -400 passenger-to-freighter conversion centers in Jinan and Xiamen, China.

Prior to his experience at Pemco, from 2001 through 2003, Watson was General Manager and Board Director of GAMECO in Guangzhou, China. Previously, Watson has held high-level positions in maintenance and project management at Unisys, Volvo, PLM Worldwide, Denel Aviation, Lucas Aviation (formerly Tracor Aviation), Omni International, and Cathay Pacific Airways.

Watson is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and holds an Aeronautical Engineering Degree from Sydney University.

Hong Kong Aviation Capital Appoints Esteemed Industry Veteran Donal Boylan as Director, Marketing

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:18:27 GMT

Mr. Boylan brings 24 years of aviation industry experience to HKAC’s talented team joins HKAC from Royal Bank of Scotland

Hong Kong, July 29, 2009 – Hong Kong Aviation Capital (“HKAC”), a leading investor in the global aviation sector, today announced that it has appointed industry veteran Donal Boylan as Director, Marketing. Mr. Boylan will be responsible for all asset management and marketing initiatives for the company.

"Donal Boylan is an experienced industry veteran who has led remarketing campaigns for an extensive number and countless types of aircraft," said Stewart Smith, Chairman of Hong Kong Aviation Capital. "Bringing him on board will ensure that we have the talent and leadership in place at the remarketing level that is needed as we grow our international aircraft portfolio and continue to be a leader in global aviation investing, management and leasing."

"I am pleased to be joining the talented team at Hong Kong Aviation Capital," said Donal Boylan, newly-appointed Director, Marketing. "HKAC is a company looking to revolutionize the world of aircraft finance, and I look forward to leading the marketing efforts which will play a crucial role in furthering the company's position as a leader in the global aviation sector."

Boylan has been in the commercial aviation industry since 1985. His experience includes creating and managing airline lease and financing business units across the globe. Most recently, from 2004 to 2009, Boylan was Head of Aerospace & Defence at the Royal Bank of Scotland, where he created and managed the bank's global asset finance business unit for the Aerospace & Defence sector.

Prior to his position as Head of Aerospace & Defence, Boylan held the position of Head of Technical & Asset Management at the Royal Bank of Scotland. His core role focused on managing current production B737NG and A320 family aircraft, but also entailed aircraft remarketing campaigns that included A300 freighters, B757-200s with early RB211-535C engines, B747-400s, Embraer 145s and B737-300 aircraft. Previously, Boylan founded his own asset management and commercial aircraft leasing firm and held senior positions at GE Capital Aviation Services where he was responsible for the full remit of the world's largest and most comprehensive commercial airline leasing company.

Boylan has taken part in Harvard Business School’s Executive Leadership Programs and holds an Engineering Degree from University College Dublin.

Hong Kong Aviation Capital in Discussions with Bombardier Inc. to Purchase New CSeries™ Aircraft

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:18:23 GMT

Hong Kong, August 4, 2009 – Hong Kong Aviation Capital (“HKAC”), a leading investor in the global aviation sector, today announced that it is in discussions with Bombardier Inc., the world’s third largest civil aircraft manufacturer, to purchase a number of that company's new CSeries™ aircraft. The Bombardier CSeries™ airliners are a revolutionary new family of aircraft scheduled to become available in 2013 and are designed specifically to serve the rapidly-growing 100- to 149-seat market.

"Hong Kong Aviation Capital has initiated discussions with Bombardier to become an active purchaser of the exciting new CSeries™ family of aircraft," said Stewart Smith, Chairman of Hong Kong Aviation Capital. "We are pleased that Bombardier recognizes the value of these discussions with our first class aviation company, and share their eagerness and interest in this dialogue on the CSeries™ aircraft. We are confident that the CSeries™ aircraft will have an enormously positive impact on the commercial airline business when they become available in 2013."

Mr. Smith continued: "HKAC is committed to investing in aircraft that will bring significant economic, environmental and operational benefits to the fast-growing 100- to 149-seat markets it serves. The CSeries™ aircraft will fit the bill perfectly, with a 15% reduction in operating costs, greatly reduced emissions and noise, and superior range and comfort over existing aircraft in this class."

Stewart noted that it is the intention of Hong Kong Aviation Capital to reach an initial purchase agreement for 10 CS100 aircraft in the fall of this year, with future purchases to be negotiated.

For more information about the Bombardier CSeries™ aircraft, please visit http://www.nowisthefuture.com/.