SMBC's Ben Millard talks aviation credit despite turbulence

In this episode of Debtwired, SMBC Americas’ Ben Millard joins Debtwire’s reporter Melina Chalkia to break down how the aviation debt markets have evolved post-COVID, from loyalty-backed financings to the emergence of aircraft CLOs. With airlines still focused on deleveraging and preserving credit ratings, Millard explains why non-traditional collateral like frequent flyer programs has become a mainstay in new deals and how investor appetite remains strong despite recent turbulence in the sector.

Millard also explores the rise of aviation ABS and CLO issuance, highlighting SMBC’s role in several landmark transactions, including the American Airlines mileage-backed TLB and Carlyle’s aircraft ABS. He touches on restructuring dynamics in the sector, as well as what geopolitical risks like tariffs could mean for aircraft financing.

Millard is a Director in the Transportation Department at SMBC Americas. SMBC has been a key player in aviation lending for a long time. SMBC is one of the largest financers of the new economy, from data centers to real estate, offering a debt-focused franchise with a global lens, according to Millard. SMBC Americas has evolved into a corporate and investment bank, while maintaining its efficiency in commercial banking and continuing to diversify its business model to best suit clients.