Neuberger Specialty Finance has launched a new aerospace financing platform, New Bridge Aero, with the aim of building out a portfolio in excess of $2bn (£1.5bn).

The financing facility will seek to originate and acquire loans and other debt instruments across the aerospace sector that offer downside protection and durable cash flows.

Neuberger Specialty Finance is the asset-based finance arm of US-based investment manager Neuberger and manages over $5bn across more than 50 portfolio companies and various investment vehicles.

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New Bridge Aero will be led by Richard Moody, who most recently served as global head of aviation finance at Hamburg Commercial Bank. He previously led transportation finance at Deutsche Bank globally.

“We are delighted to partner with Neuberger to develop a structured debt platform focused on creative solutions for the broader aerospace sector, targeting transactions across the capital stack involving not just aircraft but all parts of the aviation and aerospace ecosystem,” said Moody.

Debbie Frew and William Glaister will assist Moody as co-founders and principals. Frew previously also held senior aviation finance positions at Hamburg Commercial Bank and Deutsche Bank, while Glaister served as global head of asset finance at law firm Clifford Chance.

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Sean Hinze, Neuberger Specialty Finance’s managing director of hard asset investing commented: “Aviation finance is a complex, asset-intensive sector where deep underwriting experience matters. We believe New Bridge is well positioned to provide flexible, scalable financing solutions across the capital structure.”

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