Al Wood is the Chief Executive Officer of Aquila Air Capital, a specialty finance platform established in March 2021, with a focus on aircraft and engine leasing. Wood has a notable background in aviation finance, previously serving as Chief Financial Officer for Boeing's Commercial Services, overseeing an $8 billion business. Additional roles include Senior Director of M&A at Boeing, Partner at Comvest Partners, and Operating Partner at Sagewind Capital, where Wood developed an integrated aftermarket aviation business model. Early career experience includes Chief Commercial Officer at AeroTurbine and Director of Sales at AAR, following a tenure as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Air Force. Al Wood holds an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and a BA in Social Science from Michigan State University, supplemented by executive education in Sales Management from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Aquila Air Capital, a prominent engine leasing company, has announced the successful acquisition of its platform by Wafra Inc., a global alternative asset manager based in New York. The deal, which was finalized on December 16, 2024, follows a definitive agreement signed on October 18, 2024, and has received all necessary regulatory approvals.
Al Wood, CEO of Aquila Air Capital, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting it as a testament to the team's efforts and the value they bring to the market. He noted that the partnership with Wafra will facilitate future growth, allowing Aquila to expand its offerings and enhance its global customer reach.
Edward Tsai, Managing Director at Wafra, echoed this sentiment, stating that the acquisition marks the beginning of a new growth phase for Aquila. He emphasized the strong demand for aviation equipment finance, positioning Aquila to effectively serve its international clientele.
To support the acquisition and future growth initiatives, ATLAS SP Partners, a finance and securitized products business primarily owned by Apollo funds, provided a credit facility. Aquila was advised by Evercore for financial matters, while Kirkland & Ellis LLP handled legal counsel for Aquila. Wafra was represented by Sidley Austin LLP in legal matters.
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