Aircraft to be leased to Indonesia's Lion Air
Aviation investments have historically generated steady and attractive returns
Doha, Qatar, 22 June, 2016: Qatar First Bank L.L.C.(Public) ("QFB"), a leading Shari'ah-compliant bank based in Qatar and listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), and Novus Aviation Capital, one of the world's long standing and fastest growing aircraft leasing platforms, have invested in the global aircraft leasing industry through the indirect acquisition and lease of two 2011 vintage Boeing 737-900ER single-aisle aircraft to Indonesia's Lion Air.
The transaction will pay for the Investment intwo B737-900ERs, the largest variant of Boeing's hugely successful Next Generation ("NG") series which is the current production family for the B737.
Commenting on the transaction, Ziad Makkawi, CEO of QFB, said: "We are delighted to have provided our clients, who have shown a strong interest, with this attractive investment. The transaction is in line with our strategy to diversify QFB's revenue sources. We see opportunities in the aviation industry as it has historically generated relatively predictable returns over the medium to long term, something the market is in search off."
"The outlook for the leased aircraft type, the B737-900ER, is very favorable which has positive implications for the preservation of its market value, and more importantly will provide strategic investors with recurring and sustained income streams." Makkawi added.
Makkawi continued: "Our focus since the listing of the bank's shares on the QSE was on generating steady income and offering shari'ah compliant structured products. This attractive investment fulfils these objectives as the aviation industry has maintained a stable and sustainable growth path in comparison with alternative investment benchmarks."
The lease agreement will be managed by Dubai-based Novus Aviation Capital, a specialist in aircraft sourcing, trading, leasing and other related services. With a current portfolio of around US$ 3 billion, Novus Aviation Capital has closed over 400 lease and financing agreements valued at US$ 8 billion and has executed aircraft transactions with over 40 major airline companies.
Commenting on the transaction, Safwan Kuzbari, President and CEO of Novus Aviation Capital, said: "We are very pleased to be partnering with Qatar First Bank on another landmark aircraft transaction and look forward to further developing our relationship on other attractive yielding aircraft assets,"
Novus Aviation Capital acted as sole arranger for both the financiering and leasing elements of the deal, with QFB exclusively involved in the Islamic financing part of the transaction.
Makkawi concluded: "Deploying capital, alongside our clients, and making investments in selected industries, such as the aviation sector, is an attractive direction in today's challenging market and economic conditions. We are in the process of structuring several Shari'ah-compliant products to enable our shareholders and clients, private and corporate, to participate in these investments."
Earlier in May, QFB announced the development of a pioneering open architecture private banking platform, which is set to offer Shari'ah-compliant products including financing, private banking services, innovative investment solutions, as well as family office services covering trusts, foundations, advisory, real estate planning, and statement consolidation. This is in line with QFB's commitment to offer shareholders and clients the chance to grow, manage and protect their wealth and assets.
Complementing the launch of QFB's private banking platform, the bank signed an agreement with real estate experts allowing shareholders and clients the ability to source competitive opportunities based on their specific requirements and budget. Adding another milestone, QFB recently announced the completion of 7-12 Leinster Square, a residential real estate development in Leinster Square - London W2.
For information, please contact:
QFB: Bassel Hanbali, Head of Marketing, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations
Mobile: + 974 66542099
Email: bassel.hanbali@qfb.com.qa
About QFB:
Qatar First Bank (QFB) is one of the first independent Shari'ah compliant financial institutions regulated by the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority. Launched in 2009 as an investment bank, QFB has since evolved to broaden its offering to combine the best of a private bank with bespoke investment solutions tailored for the protection, preservation and growth of wealth. QFB has a diversified shareholder base of prominent individuals and institutions from Qatar and the GCC. QFB's team of professionals have the knowledge and expertise to provide world class, exclusive and cutting edge financial solutions underpinned by the Bank's commitment to deliver excellence in all aspects of business.
About Novus Aviation Capital:
Novus is an independent, privately held aircraft leasing and financing platform, focused on investing in commercial aircraft assets. Established over 22 years ago, the Novus team operates out of its four global offices in the Middle East, Europe and Asia. The company currently co-owns and manages aircraft-related investments of about USD 3 billion. Novus' aircraft portfolio includes A321/A330/A340/A380s as well as B737-800 and B747/B777s. For more information, please visit: www.novus.aero
© Press Release 2016
