Newport aviation company AerFin, a global supplier of aircraft engines, parts and maintenance services employing more than 230 people, has been acquired by Japanese firm ORIX Aviation in a deal worth about £475 million.
AerFin, founded by Bob James, has grown from a south Wales business into an international aviation aftermarket specialist that buys, sells, leases and repairs aircraft, engines and components. The company moved into a new purpose-built 116,000 sq ft facility at Indurent Park in Newport in 2025.
Chief executive Simon Goodson called the acquisition a "defining moment" in the company's history. "I am delighted that AerFin is joining the ORIX Group, a business that shares our values and belief in trusted partnerships, flexible solutions and finding the way ahead for our customers," he said. Support from the wider ORIX Group, he added, would provide "the confidence and platform" to grow the aviation business. "This is a defining moment in AerFin's story and the beginning of an exciting new chapter," said Goodson.
For ORIX Aviation, the aircraft leasing arm of Japanese financial services giant ORIX Group, the acquisition expands its activities beyond aircraft ownership and leasing into aftermarket services and end-of-life aircraft management. The company said the combination would strengthen its capabilities across the entire lifecycle of an aircraft.
James Meyler, chief executive of ORIX Aviation, said AerFin had built "a leading aviation aftermarket platform" supported by extensive technical expertise and an international customer base.
The sale also marks the exit of Danish private equity investor CataCap, which had been the majority shareholder in AerFin. Founder Bob James said he was pleased to see the business move to what he described as "a long-term home", capable of supporting AerFin's next phase of expansion. "I recognise a strong leadership team and a long-term home when I see one," James said.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The deal cements Wales's role in the global aviation supply chain, preserving more than 230 skilled jobs in Newport.
- It signals growing international appetite for aircraft aftermarket services as airlines manage ageing fleets and extend aircraft lifecycles.
- For ORIX, the acquisition marks a strategic expansion beyond leasing into the full-lifecycle management of aircraft.
Background
AerFin was founded by Bob James and developed into a specialist in extending the life of aircraft and engines through trading, leasing, repair and reuse. The company claims to serve more than 600 organisations worldwide. Prior to the sale, AerFin was majority owned by Danish private equity firm CataCap. ORIX Aviation is the aircraft leasing arm of ORIX Group, a Japanese financial services conglomerate.
Key Perspectives
- Simon Goodson, AerFin CEO: called the acquisition a "defining moment" and said ORIX shares the company's values in trusted partnerships and flexible solutions. He said support from ORIX Group would provide a platform for growth.
- James Meyler, ORIX Aviation CEO: said AerFin had built "a leading aviation aftermarket platform" with extensive technical expertise and an international customer base.
- Bob James, AerFin founder: said he was pleased the business was moving to "a long-term home" capable of supporting its next phase of expansion.
What to Watch
- How AerFin integrates its operations with ORIX Aviation's existing leasing business.
- Whether the deal leads to further investment or expansion at the Newport facility.
- How the acquisition affects AerFin's customer base, particularly among airlines and smaller aviation companies.