Hong Kong Aviation Capital Appoints Rick Macker as Head of Capital Markets

HONG KONG, Aug. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Hong Kong Aviation Capital ('HKAC'), a leading investor in global aviation finance, announced today that Rick Macker has been appointed Head of Capital Markets. Rick commenced his employment with HKAC this week and is based in the company's London office. He comes to HKAC from HSH-Nordbank AG where he was Senior Vice-President, Head of Transportation Americas.

"Rick Macker's appointment is a significant step in growing our executive management team to help drive HKAC's global expansion," said Bharat Bhise, CEO Bravia Capital and shareholder in HKAC.

"Rick's hiring is testament to our dedication to attract and recruit the best available talent in the global finance industry. Rick's 20 years of experience in the transport finance sector will help HKAC in achieving our short and long term business goals, including our objective to double our aircraft fleet in the next 12 months," he said.

"Since taking over the Allco Aviation Leasing business earlier this year we've built and strengthened our management and staff, upgraded our accounting and technology systems and redefined our strategy. We are very excited about our future," said Mathis Shinnick, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Aviation Company.

HKAC is a diversified player in the global aviation finance industry that includes HNA Group Co., Ltd of China and an affiliate of Bravia Capital, New York as shareholders. The appointment of Mr. Macker follows the company's recent acquisition of three new A320 aircraft under sale-leaseback to Indian airline IndiGo. The US$ 200 million transaction, signed in early July 2010, will expand HKAC's fleet of 68 aircraft, and assets totaling approximately US$3 billion. The firm completed its acquisition of Allco Aviation in early January 2010. HKAC plans to further expand its employee presence globally over the next 12 months.

Mr. Macker was most recently Senior Vice-President, Head of Transportation Americas at HSH-Nordbank AG in New York. Prior to joining HSH, he worked for GATX Capital in San Francisco as Vice President, Structured Finance, and before that he was the Chief Financial Officer of a global transportation finance company, Gateway Container International. He started his career at GE Capital and left there to co-found and set up Gateway. Mr. Macker was educated at The University of Maryland.

About Hong Kong Aviation Capital

Hong Kong Aviation Capital (HKAC) is a leader in the global aircraft leasing marketplace. HKAC is headquartered out of Hong Kong, with offices in Sydney and London. The firm invests in commercial aircraft leases and financial instruments, and also provides aircraft management and advisory services. HKAC's mission is to prudently invest in the global transportation and infrastructure sectors for consistent and long-term returns, creating value for its investors and clients alike. HKAC has a highly capable team with skills and experience in both the financial and aviation industry. The company's website can be found at www.hongkongaviation.com

SOURCE Hong Kong Aviation Capital (HKAC)