Partners Group, a global private markets firm, has invested $250 million as the sole lead investor in a continuation vehicle established by Avenue Capital Group to acquire a portfolio of 69 commercial aviation projects. The transaction, announced on June 30, 2026, is one of the largest transportation deals by Partners Group's infrastructure secondaries strategy to date.
The portfolio, assembled over the past decade, includes narrowbody aircraft, widebody aircraft, and regional jets. Its lessee base spans 30 airlines across Asia, Western Europe, and North America, providing geographic diversification. According to the announcement, the majority of cash flows from the portfolio are contracted, offering stable and predictable income. The assets are structured to maximize value at contract end through re-leases, sales, or disassembly.
The investment reflects growing institutional interest in aircraft leasing as an infrastructure asset class. The commercial aviation leasing market benefits from several tailwinds, including a structural undersupply of new aircraft due to production delays, which is shifting industry reliance to mid-life aircraft and spare parts. Additionally, aircraft engines are increasingly used for alternative industrial purposes, supporting residual values and tightening supply dynamics.
Jeremy Semble, Head of Infrastructure Partnership Investments Americas at Partners Group, said: "Aircraft leasing is a growing space within the infrastructure asset class. The portfolio is asset-heavy with contracted cash flows and high barriers to entry, reflecting significant capex requirements and maintenance needs. This makes it a great fit for our infrastructure secondaries strategy, where we look to provide investors with diversified exposure to sectors with resilient demand and strong growth potential."
Marc Lasry, Co-Founder and CEO of Avenue Capital Group, added: "This new continuation vehicle provided our existing limited partners with a compelling liquidity option and has allowed us to once again partner with Partners Group via a continuation vehicle, providing them with exposure to our strong portfolio of aviation projects that we have assembled over the past decade."
The $360 million continuation vehicle was established by Avenue Capital Group, whose aviation team will continue managing the assets. Partners Group's infrastructure secondaries business focuses on LP-led portfolios, GP-led investments, and complex situations globally. The firm has completed over 70 infrastructure secondaries transactions since 2006 and is currently raising its latest infrastructure secondaries program.
Partners Group was advised by Ropes & Gray on the transaction, while Avenue Capital Group was advised by Latham & Watkins and Perella Weinberg Partners. For more information, visit Partners Group or NewMediaWire.
