Altavair

Altavair is a global leader in aviation finance, specializing in the acquisition, leasing, re-purposing, and selling of commercial jet aircraft and engines. The firm works to connect the world by providing strategic solutions to its customers' challenges, anticipating market transitions, and collaborating with other industry leaders. Since its inception, Altavair has completed a significant volume of commercial aircraft lease transactions, demonstrating its expertise in the aviation asset management sector.

The firm was founded in 2003 by Stephen Rimmer, who co-founded Altavair and is responsible for its overall strategy and management. Prior to Altavair, Mr. Rimmer had extensive experience in the commercial aviation industry, including co-founding XS Aviation Ltd. and Curtis & Company. In 2018, Altavair formed a long-term strategic partnership with KKR, a leading global investment firm, which has significantly deepened KKR's exposure to the aviation sector as part of its asset-based finance strategy.

Altavair has a robust track record, having completed over $14.5 billion in commercial aircraft lease transactions with more than 80 airline customers across 50 countries, involving over 300 individual Boeing and Airbus aircraft. The firm has also maintained strong relationships in the commercial debt and capital markets, borrowing over $8 billion of debt from numerous financial institutions. Through its partnership with KKR, Altavair manages over $5 billion in capital committed to aircraft leasing and lending transactions, further solidifying its position as a key player in the global leased aircraft market.

The Altavair team comprises experienced professionals with an average of over 30 years in commercial aviation leasing and finance. With offices strategically located in Seattle, London, Dublin, and Singapore, the firm operates as three independent companies and teams that collaborate to provide worldwide coverage. This global presence and deep industry knowledge enable Altavair to offer superior customer service and generate strong investment returns across various market cycles.