Falko Regional Aircraft Limited has reported a “transformational year” in 2019 for the regional aircraft lessor which acquired 49 regional aircraft, sold 11 and signed lease agreements or extensions relating to a further six during the year.

The total transaction value exceeded $1billion and as at 31 December 2019, Falko’s portfolio totalled 115 aircraft on lease to 19 customers worldwide.

“2019 has been a transformational year for Falko,” Mark Hughes, Falko’s Chief Commercial officer commented: “Completing on the acquisition of Avolon’s regional aircraft portfolio and closing our second equity fund have confirmed Falko’s position of one of the world’s leading regional aircraft operating lessors. We have a healthy pipeline of transactions that will allow us to deploy further capital and expand the managed portfolio further in 2020.”

Aircraft acquisitions focused on regional jets with 12 Embraer E195s, 12 Embraer E190s, 4 Embraer E175s, 14 Bombardier CRJ900s and 7 Bombardier CRJ200s being added to Falko’s portfolio with Delta, Air Canada, TUI, Alitalia and Arkia all becoming new customers.

In closing its second equity fund in July 2019, Falko raised $650m of equity capital focused on regional aircraft investments.