Sculptor Capital Management Closes $415.5 Million Aircraft ABS in New Partnership with SMBC Aviation Capital
NEW YORK, June 1, 2026 — Sculptor Capital Management, Inc. announced the closing of Eclipse 2026-1, a $415.5 million aircraft asset-backed securities transaction backed by a diversified portfolio of 23 Boeing and Airbus aircraft on lease to 16 global airlines in 15 countries. The deal establishes a new sponsor-servicer partnership between Sculptor and SMBC Aviation Capital and carries a total appraised portfolio value of approximately $500 million.
The transaction represents a notable development for Sculptor Capital Management, which manages approximately $37 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025, and has been an active investor in the aviation sector since 2006. Sculptor invests across credit, real estate, and multi-strategy platforms.
Deal Structure and Portfolio Details
Eclipse 2026-1 is structured as an aircraft securitization with $415.5 million in ABS notes backed by a portfolio appraised at approximately $500 million. The collateral pool consists of 23 Boeing and Airbus aircraft leased to 16 airlines operating across 15 countries, providing geographic and airline-credit diversification across the lease pool.
The transaction involves Eclipse Ltd. as the holding vehicle, with SMBC Aviation Capital serving as servicer and an affiliate of Sculptor acting as asset manager. SMBC Aviation Capital operates a 25-year, investment-grade-rated platform with an owned, serviced, and committed fleet of approximately 1,700 aircraft, along with relationships spanning more than 170 airline customers and 160 trading partners, according to the announcement.
A New Sponsor-Servicer Relationship
The closing marks the first publicly announced ABS transaction under a branded platform pairing Sculptor and SMBC Aviation Capital. The firms described the arrangement as a strategic partnership focused on long-term asset performance across market cycles, with SMBC Aviation Capital contributing its global servicing infrastructure and Sculptor providing asset management expertise.
Udai Bishnoi, Global Head of Asset Based Finance, Office of the CIO at Sculptor, commented on the transaction in the announcement: "Aviation continues to present highly attractive investment dynamics within asset based finance, and Eclipse 2026-1 reflects our conviction in both the underlying assets and the strength of this partnership. As one of the largest aircraft lessors, SMBC Aviation Capital brings the scale, operational depth, and long-term orientation that aligns with how Sculptor underwrites aviation risk. Together, we believe this partnership positions us well to continue deploying capital into high-quality aviation assets backed by durable global demand."
Sculptor's Aviation Track Record
Sculptor has been investing in aviation since 2006. The firm's current managed aviation portfolio comprises 82 aircraft leased to 37 lessees across 29 countries, spanning eight servicing partners.
About the Firms
Sculptor Capital Management is a global alternative asset manager with approximately $37 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025. The firm invests across credit, real estate, and multi-strategy platforms and maintains offices in New York, London, Hong Kong, and Abu Dhabi.
SMBC Aviation Capital is an aircraft leasing and asset management platform operating with an owned, serviced, and committed fleet of approximately 1,700 aircraft and relationships with more than 170 airline customers and 160 trading partners.
Sources
Sculptor Capital Management — Sculptor Closes Eclipse 2026-1 (June 1, 2026)