Qatar Airways taps Japanese JOLCO model to finance seven aircraft

Qatar Airways has completed its first transaction under the JOLCO model, a Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option, giving it a new source of fleet financing from Japanese leasing markets. The structure pairs a leasing agreement with a purchase option for the aircraft user and opens the deal to Japanese investors.

Three Boeing 787-9s are covered by the first transaction, arranged with HSBC and JP Lease Products & Services, or JLPS. HSBC structured the debt financing and provided the full loan, while JLPS organised and subscribed the equity on behalf of the Japanese investors.

The airline said the arrangement is a first for it. Seven aircraft in total are to be financed through the Japanese leasing market.