Castlelake to buy 30 aircraft from AirAsia Group

US-based investment firm Castlelake to purchase a portfolio of about 30 narrowbody planes from AirAsia Group for about US$800 million, as the Malaysian company aims to become a asset-light, digitally focused firm.

The older aircraft are currently on lease to the affiliate airlines of AirAsia, while being managed by the Group’s leasing unit, Asia Aviation Capital.

The deal, which is expected to close in a few weeks, may include some aircraft from its large orderbook as well.