Ashland Place Completes Agreement with Fortress and GOAL Aircraft Leasing
In a recent announcement made on July 15, 2025, Ashland Place Finance LLC, a prominent player in commercial aviation financing, disclosed the completion of two significant financing facilities in collaboration with Fortress Investment Group and GOAL Aircraft Leasing. This strategic transaction showcases Ashland Place's commitment to fostering strong partnerships within the aviation sector.
The financing arrangement involves the sale and leaseback of two state-of-the-art Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, which are slated for lease to the Canadian airline, Porter Airlines, shortly after their delivery from the manufacturer, Embraer. Notably, Ashland Place anticipates the addition of two more aircraft under this agreement, further enhancing the capabilities of Porter Airlines throughout 2025.
Jennifer Villa, Executive Director and Group Head at Ashland Place, expressed her enthusiasm for welcoming Fortress and GOAL as partners in this venture. "We are thrilled to see Fortress and GOAL joining our network of aviation investors. This transaction underscores our dedication to establishing lasting relationships with significant players in the aviation finance realm," she stated. Furthermore, Villa emphasized the speed at which the transition was completed, highlighting the efficiency of both teams involved.
Matthew Mortara, Managing Director at Fortress, also shared his satisfaction with the partnership, stating, "We are excited to collaborate with Porter Airlines, GOAL, and Ashland Place Finance. Porter's unique brand identity and its commitment to providing an elevated travel experience will undoubtedly lead to increased market share within North America, especially in underserved areas. This agreement allows us to contribute to Porter's growth in a financially efficient manner."
Henrik Jagau, who oversees Transaction Management and Strategic Finance at GOAL, reinforced the positive prospects of the partnership. He noted that Ashland Place's ability to execute collaborations efficiently makes them an invaluable partner in financing operations.
Meanwhile, Felipe Santana, Global Treasurer at Embraer, acknowledged Ashland Place as part of the expanding network of lenders facilitating the financing for the E2 aircraft, the leading models in fuel efficiency within their segment. Santana articulated his gratitude for the quick turnaround and adaptability demonstrated by Ashland Place amidst an often volatile market.
The legal representation for Ashland Place in this transaction was provided by Vinson & Elkins, whereas Vedder Price took on the legal responsibilities for GOAL.
About the Partners
Ashland Place Finance LLC is a recognized financing platform that specializes in providing innovative capital solutions specifically for the global commercial aerospace industry. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP, it is strategically positioned at the forefront of aviation finance. Additional details on Ashland Place can be found at
www.ashlandplace.com.
Porter Airlines, operational since 2006, has positioned itself as a leader in the economy air travel segment by enhancing passenger experiences with exceptional service and sophisticated amenities. Operating from its hub in Toronto, the airline's fleet includes the Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 models serving a broad North American network. More information is available at
www.flyporter.com.
Fortress Investment Group stands as a key player in the investment management sector, boasting a diversified portfolio with approximately $51 billion in assets under management, as of March 31, 2025. Established in 1998, Fortress has built a robust client base of nearly 2,000 institutional and private investors worldwide. Learn more at
www.fortress.com.
GOAL Aircraft Leasing, a joint venture between KGAL and Deutsche Lufthansa AG, holds a leading position in aircraft asset management in Germany and features among the top 15 globally, according to ISHKA rankings. With a formidable sum of over USD 4.5 billion in transactions since its inception in 1998, GOAL customizes leasing solutions for airlines, leveraging extensive industry knowledge and financial expertise. More insights can be accessed at
www.goal-leasing.com.