Japanese investors are actively expanding their footprint in the United States' aviation sector, focusing on aftermarket services and aircraft leasing. Marubeni Corporation has completed its full acquisition of DASI, a Miami-based spare parts specialist, aiming to bolster its digital infrastructure and online marketplace to support growth across surplus inventory channels. DASI collaborates closely with airlines, OEMs, and MROs to facilitate the buying and selling of surplus parts through its proprietary management system.
Toru Okazaki, COO of Marubeni's Aerospace and Mobility Division, emphasized that integrating DASI into the group strengthens their capacity to deliver comprehensive inventory solutions and provides a seamless supply chain experience. The group's capabilities are further enhanced by Magellan Aviation, a used material supplier in which Marubeni invested over ten years ago.
Expansion through Strategic Acquisitions
In parallel, Sumitomo Corporation of Americas took control of U.S. teardown specialist Werner Aero in late 2024, after initially acquiring a 51% stake in 2022. The takeover involved appointing Toshinoro Kondo as CEO, replacing Werner's founder. Kondo brings extensive experience from his previous roles at Sumitomo's engine leasing division, SAEL. Sumitomo’s other significant aviation interests include SMBC Aviation Capital, which recently merged with Air Lease Corp to form Sumisho Air Lease Corp, the second-largest aircraft lessor globally.
These strategic moves demonstrate Japanese conglomerates' commitment to expanding their market share in the U.S. aviation industry through acquisitions and investments, strengthening their presence in both the parts and leasing markets. Such efforts are expected to reinforce their positions in the competitive global aviation landscape and facilitate further growth opportunities.
