Floreat is to acquire a $500m (€441m) portfolio of Boeing and Airbus aircraft with debt financing arranged by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG).

It is the second time that the London-based investment group, which specialises in public and private equity, real estate and private debt, has targeted the aviation sector.

In 2016, it completed a securitisation of a $450m portfolio of A330 aircraft.

Mark Rogers, managing director at Floreat, said: β€œWe have previously acquired aircraft on behalf of our clients, and this next transaction is further evidence of our belief in aviation leasing as an income-producing investment.

β€œWe are committed to the sector and delighted to be working with MUFG on this mandate, with the long-term potential of this partnership very clear.”

Tokyo-headquartered MUFG will source a portfolio of aircraft on lease to airlines around the globe.

Philip Roberts, MUFG’s head of investment banking division for EMEA, said: β€œWe are delighted to be able to provide support to Floreat in structuring and arranging its investments into a growing and vibrant sector.

β€œThe partnership between the two institutions is bringing together our strengths, allowing us to be more relevant to our clients and further deepening our impact in the aviation sector”.