Doha, Qatar — Qatar Airways Group has signed its first Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option agreement, covering three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, the airline announced on 14 October.
Known as JOLCO, the transaction brings the group into Japan’s aircraft financing market. HSBC is the debt arranger and sole lender, while JP Lease Products & Services is underwriting and arranging the equity.
Three signed, seven planned
This signed agreement is the first of three transactions planned under a broader programme supporting seven aircraft in total. JP Lease will arrange equity across the programme.
The announcement concerns financing, rather than a new order for seven jets. It does not disclose a transaction value, interest rate or timetable for completing the remaining deals.
Why the funding route matters
Qatar Airways says the Japanese market broadens its investor base and funding sources, and it expects a continuing presence there. For fleet-finance readers, the development is a new source of capital rather than a newly announced aircraft purchase.