UK-based investment group Floreat has selected Japan’s Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) to source an aircraft portfolio worth $500m.

Floreat’s aviation division will acquire the new portfolio, which will include a fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft that are currently being operated by airlines worldwide on lease.

As part of the deal, MUFG will arrange debt financing for the portfolio with Floreat and its clients offering the equity.

Floreat managing director Mark Rogers said: “We 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.

“We 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.”

“We 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.”

In 2016, Floreat’s aviation division completed a securitisation of a $450m portfolio of A330 aircraft.

MUFG Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Investment Banking Division head Philip Roberts said: “We are delighted to be able to provide support to Floreat in structuring and arranging its investments into a growing and vibrant sector.

“The 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.”

MUFG currently employs 150,000 people across its branches, spreading over 50 countries and regions across the globe.