Full-service aircraft asset management firm, ABL Aviation, has successfully delivered a Boeing 777-200LRF to American cargo airline, Atlas Air.

The deal was structured as a Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option (JOLCO) combined with debt guaranteed by the Aircraft Finance Insurance Consortium (AFIC) and funded by Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank (SMTB).

ABL Aviation was the lead arranger on the transaction bringing the equity from Japan and debt funding to the deal.

This transaction marks the first time a JOLCO-AFIC product, structured first by ABL Aviation for the awarded Aviation 100 Supported Finance Deal of the Year 2019 by the prestigious Airline Economics, has been used to fund a freight aircraft.

ABL Aviation states that the demonstrates its ability to provide efficient financial structures to support reliable cargo transportation.

Ali Ben Lmadani, chief executive of ABL Aviation, said: “We are incredibly proud to have facilitated this pioneering JOLCO-AFIC financing for Atlas Air, with whom we are delighted to partner.

“This transaction supports essential trade activities and establishes a new avenue for the financing of freight aircraft.

“It creates opportunities for future partnerships and innovative approaches in the aviation industry, particularly among our airline partners and investors.”

The Boeing 777-200LRF’s payload capacity of up to 102.8 metric tonnes and its extended range of 4,970 nautical miles (9,200 kilometres) makes it a reliable choice for long-distance transportation.

Its twin-engine design encourages fuel economy, cost savings, and environmental sustainability in air cargo delivery.

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