Mach-OE Aircraft Fund Launches with Successful Aircraft Delivery
The Mach-OE fund, a groundbreaking open-ended aircraft fund established by Mercuria Investment Co., Ltd. (MIC) and Airborne Capital Limited (ACL), has successfully completed its first aircraft delivery. On July 29 and 30, 2026, the fund received two brand new Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, marking a significant milestone in its operations.
The delivery of these two aircraft is a part of a long-term leasing agreement established with United Airlines. As the first aircraft in Mach-OE's seed portfolio, this acquisition sets the stage for additional aircraft purchases planned over the upcoming months. The fund, officially launched in April 2026, aims to build an investment asset scale of approximately 150 billion yen, expanding its portfolio as it gathers more capital and aircraft.
In partnership with the Development Bank of Japan, which serves as an anchor investor, Mach-OE completed its initial closing on April 30, 2026. Furthermore, MIC and ACL have entered a strategic alliance with Daiwa Alternative Investments, a subsidiary of Daiwa Securities Group. This collaboration promises operational support and introduction to a broader range of investors.
Mercuria Investment's President, Toshihiro Toyoshima, expressed enthusiasm for the fund, seeing aircraft as a solid investment amid recent economic challenges such as inflation and depreciation of the yen. He views Boeing 737 MAX 9, with its cutting-edge technology and high market demand, as an ideal asset for the fund's launch. Moving forward, he is determined to integrate more assets and meet investors' expectations.
Ramki Sundaram, CEO of Airborne Capital, shared his excitement about collaborating with the MIC team to acquire high-quality aircraft. He mentioned that efforts for additional funding and asset organization are ongoing, with a vision for further growth of Mach-OE in the future.
The significance of Mach-OE lies in its unique approach to aircraft investment, being the first open-ended fund operated by a Japanese asset management company in this sector. Targeting institutional investors such as financial institutions, pension funds, and corporate entities, the fund aims to respond to the growing interest in alternative investments that provide tangible returns.
As the aviation industry continues to recover and grow, Mach-OE's strategic development will play a pivotal role in catering to the increasing demand for aircraft leasing, thereby enriching the investment portfolio available to its stakeholders.
In summary, the successful delivery of two Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft to United Airlines is just the beginning of Mach-OE's journey in the aircraft investment landscape, and the fund is poised for significant growth ahead as it navigates the complexities of the market.